A NIGHTCLUB reveller accused of attacking two men with a penknife walked free from court yesterday.

Joseph Murrish, 22, of Grantham Avenue, Seaham, County Durham, was found not guilty of causing grevious bodily harm with intent by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

He had been arrested in connection with a fracas outside Privilege nightclub in Sunderland city centre.

The court was told Mr Murrish confronted Steven Gowans and Kevin Sutherton on their way to the taxi rank after a row in the club.

The three began to fight and afterwards Mr Sutherton and Mr Gowans found they had slash wounds to their legs and groin area. Both needed stitches for their injuries.

Mr Murrish was arrested and, during a search, police found a lighter with a flick-knife attached to it.

But Mr Murrish denied he used the knife on the pair. In interview he said he had just defended himself in the fight and lashed out in self defence with an implement he found on the ground after he was attacked by them.

He was found not guilty yesterday after a three-day trial.