A MOTORIST was attacked with a screwdriver after confronting a thief who had stolen computer equipment worth more than £4,000 from his car.

Adam Grice was left with seven wounds to his knee after he caught David Burn, 18, rifling in the back of his car.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Grice took hold of Burn after he spotted him in Priestley Court, South Shields, on February 2.

Police found some of the stolen equipment, but more than £1,000 worth of damage was caused to the car.

Burn, of St Vincent Street, South Shields, admitted theft and assault.

He also admitted stealing £990 worth of tools from a van parked in East Stanton Street, in the town, in July last year.

He was jailed for 18 months