A MAN who rebuked a group of youths in a North-East town was hunted down then punched and stabbed in an attack that left him paralysed.

Sixteen-year-old Kristofer Davies boasted to his friends that he had twisted the knife before he pulled it out of his victim's back.

Last night, the teenager - who had a fascination with knives and swords - was starting an eight-year extended prison sentence after pleading guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on June 26.

He told police he had pulled the knife because he had a reputation to uphold, and his brother was serving a prison sentence for a stabbing incident.

Teesside Crown Court heard how his 28-year-old victim, Scott Wallace, had remonstrated with youths in the centre of Darlington.

As a result of his intervention, three youths chased him through the streets.

Davies was carrying a lock knife and shouted to the terrified man that he was going to kill him.

Jeremy Hill-Baker, prosecuting, told the court how the trio relentlessly hunted him down.

One youth on a bicycle ran down Mr Wallace, who plunged down some steps.

Before he could get to his feet, Davies jumped on top of him. His friend, Shane Peacock, 19, joined in the assault by punching the victim.

While Mr Wallace struggled to get up, Davies pulled the knife and stabbed him once in the back.

The blade severed Mr Wallace's spine and he is now in a wheelchair. The court was told how doctors hope that the former factory worker may one day be able to walk with sticks and callipers.

Mr Hill-Baker said: "Mr Wallace was left with paralysed lower limbs, and he can, to a limited extent, walk between parallel bars.

"It is hoped that, with callipers and sticks, he may be able to have some independent movement."

After the attack, Davies bragged that he had stabbed the man, and the knife was recovered from his room.

He told one witness that he had twisted the knife when he stabbed him, and Mr Wallace's blood was found on his clothes.

Davies had a conviction last year for possessing a nine-and-a-half-inch knife, and also for using a knife in offences of actual bodily harm, assault and affray.

Robin Turton, mitigating, said Davies felt remorse and he had some insight into his problems and how to behave in the future.

Rod Hunt, mitigating for Peacock, said the youth found out that Davies was armed only after the attacks.

Peacock admitted his guilt after his mother visited him in the cells just before they were due to stand trial, on December 5.

Only last year, Peacock was given a 21-month sentence in a youth institution for robbing a 19-year-old with learning difficulties.

Durham Crown Court heard how Peacock went through his pockets and the victim was punched twice in the chest before he handed over £15. While Peacock was on a bail, he committed a similar offence.

Davies, now 17, of Cobden Street, Darlington, was given five years detention in a young offender's institution extended by three years on licence.

Peacock, 19, of Melville Street, Darlington, was sentenced to 15 months for actual bodily harm assault by punching Mr Wallace. He was found formally not guilty of wounding with intent.

Judge Peter Armstrong told Davies: "I have seen the photographs of that knife and it was a particularly vicious-looking weapon.

"Had you been an adult, after a trial I have no doubt that the sentence would be measured in double figures. But because of your age and your guilty plea I am going to give you considerable credit."

David Hines, of the North of England Victims' Association, said: "It sounds absolutely shocking. The sentence is never long enough - he's got eight years, but the victim has to suffer this for the rest of his life.

"That's not justice. If the judge has said eight years, it should mean eight years. My sympathies go to the victim and his family."