A UNIVERSITY counsellor made a frenzied knife attack on his former partner in a pub during a row over custody of their child, a court heard.

Samantha Davidson, 38, suffered multiple stab wounds, one of which punctured her lung.

She was saved by martial arts expert Raymond Hutcheon, who tackled her former lover, Terence Lane.

Newcastle Crown Court was told regulars at the Harbour View pub, in Roker, Sunderland, were shocked when Lane launched his attack.

The court heard the pair had been in a long-term relationship and lived together with their daughter before they separated in 1996.

Lane, 38, went to the pub on February 4 to confront his former partner over allegations about the care of the child.

Christopher Knox, prosecuting, said a row erupted over custody, during which Lane lunged at Mrs Davidson and repeatedly slashed at her with a knife.

He said Mrs Davidson was repeatedly stabbed in the body, and one wound collapsed her lung.

The court heard the attack would have continued had Mr Hutcheon not hit Lane in the throat, knocking him to the floor and restraining him until police arrived.

A doctor was in the bar and went to Mrs Davidson's aid before paramedics arrived.

Lane, who works for Sunderland University's counselling service, was arrested and admitted the stabbing, but said he had not gone to the pub with the intention of carrying out the attack.

John Evans, for Lane, said he genuinely believed that his ex-partner had being abusing his daughter.

Lane, of Deerness Road, Deerness Park, Hendon, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding Mrs Davidson with intent, and was jailed for six years.

Passing sentence, Judge David Hodson said: "This was a frenzied attack on your ex-partner, inflicting numerous injuries.

"I accept you had concerns and never intended to carry out the attack, but anyone who uses a knife in those circumstances can only expect to receive a substantial prison sentence."