A TEENAGER who stabbed a man through the heart in a random and motiveless attack was yesterday locked up for three years.

Ian Jackson was moments from death after being knifed by 15-year-old Aiden Davison in Darlington last summer.

Mr Jackson, a wellknown real ale campaigner and brewer, is still suffering the effects of the attack.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 43-year-old would have died had it not been for witnesses who immediately dialled 999.

He was rushed to Darlington Memorial Hospital and then transferred to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

A surgeon said in a report that a blood clot in Mr Jackson’s heart would have been fatal without emergency surgery.

Mr Jackson has still not returned to work at the White Swan pub, in Stokesley.

He had to have two chest drains inserted while in intensive care as medics battled to relieve compression on his heart.

Judge Peter Fox told Davison he was lucky the four witnesses – teenagers the attacker knew – raised the alarm.

“They summoned the medical help which saved his life,” Judge Fox said.

“Otherwise, you would be before this court for murder.”

Davison, now 16, of Bedford Street, Darlington, admitted grievous bodily harm with intent on August 14 at an earlier hearing.

His barrister, Martin Towers, told the court Davison was grateful for the intervention of the other group of youths.

“He realises that if they had not been there, Mr Jackson would have died.”

Mr Jackson, treasurer of the Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, was attacked after a night out with friends.

He had visited The Morritt Arms Hotel at Greta Bridge and pubs in Barnard Castle before stopping for a drink in Darlington Snooker Club.

Davison struck as he passed Mr Jackson walking home along North Road at about 1.30am Mr Jackson was left with a scar from his navel to neck.