AN 81-year-old man fought off a knife-wielding drug addict who tried to force his way into his home.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Paul Burton, 30, fled empty-handed after he took on George Bell.

Mr Bell was confronted in his garden by Burton, who was armed with a knife, but he kicked out until his attacker ran off.

Yesterday Burton, formerly of Hedworth Court, Sunderland, was jailed for seven-and-a-half-years after he admitted the attack.

The court heard how Burton had been released from prison early after he was jailed for a similar attack.

Andrew Findlay, prosecuting, said Mr Bell was at his home in Hawthorn Street, Milfield, Sunderland, on May 28, at 6pm, when he heard a knock at the door.

He did not recognise Burton so ignored him but, minutes later, when Mr Bell went out to close his gate, Burton attacked.

Mr Findlay said: "The defendant lunged at Mr Bell and a violent struggle took place in the garden, which resulted in the defendant holding him against the wall.

"But Mr Bell kicked out and the defendant ran away, primarily as a result of Mr Bell's actions."

Through DNA analysis, police were able to prove Burton was the attacker and he was arrested.

He admitted the attack and also admitted a robbery on June 14 at the Kasimba second-hand clothes store in Chester Road, Sunderland, when he barged into the shop wielding a 12in knife and demanded cash.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery, burglary and three thefts.

Paul Cross, in mitigation, said: "The picture here sadly is of desperate heroin-type offending. He has an almost irresistible desperation for more drugs, almost an irresistible desperation for the money to pay for it."