A HOUSEHOLDER was viciously stabbed after he answered an early-morning knock at his door, a court heard.

Malcolm Proctor received six stab wounds during the attack at Longstaff Gardens, South Shields, on July 23.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how 28-year-old Mark Fox produced a knife.

Stanley Anderson, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Proctor had known Fox for about ten years when the attack happened, and had pleaded with him to stop.

Mr Anderson said: "Inside the lobby, Mr Fox produced a knife. He said: 'I will put this in your head, I will kill you and all your mates.'

"Attempts were made to open the door and get Mr Fox out of the house, but he did not leave. He stabbed Mr Proctor in the shoulder twice.

"Mr Proctor fell on to the stairs and there were three further stabbings in the left arm by Mr Fox. Mr Proctor was trying to get him to leave the house, pleading with him.

"He stabbed him again in the left thigh and said 'I will be back to finish you off'."

Mr Fox, of Ford Crescent, Shiremoor, North Tyneside, was arrested on August 17. He denies wounding with intent but could not say where he was when the attack happened.

The trial continues.