Amar Burton, 27, lashed out after a group of stag night revellers hurled racial abuse at him and his pal in Newcastle city centre.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Burton, who claims he had never been the victim of racist behaviour before, became "incensed" by their treatment and stabbed and slashed Christopher Linden.

Burton, of Buckland Close, Washington, admitted unlawful wounding.
The court heard the attack happened when the two groups passed each other at Blackett Street, Newcastle on October 27 last year.

Prosecutor Alec Burns told the court: "The defendant and his friend were walking past the group and they received racist abuse.

"His friend was attacked and brought to the ground.

"The pair escaped from the group and went back to the defendant's car.

"He was clearly incensed by what had happened and the racist abuse they had received.

"He went back to confront them.

"The defendant was approached by several members of the group.

"Christopher Linden began scuffling with the defendant.

"The defendant produced a knife he had with him and stabbed Christopher Linden a number of times and slashed him across the chin."

The court heard Mr Linden needed surgery under general anaesthetic.

Burton was arrested and told officers: "I carry a knife, they attacked me so I stabbed him.

"Why can't I use my knife if I am being assaulted?"

Defence barrister Carl Gumsley told the court how Burton was brought up in Geneva, in the United Nations community.

Mr Gumsley said: "Because of his upbringing, surrounded by multiple nationalities and religions, he has never suffered racial abuse before."

Mr Gumsley said Burton had studied psychology in London and had moved to the North in the hope of fulfilling his ambition of becoming a teacher.

Mr Gumsley added: "This is the first time he has received racist abuse.
"He was upset by the racist abuse.

"He took the knife out in a moment of stupidity."

Recorder Neil Davey sentenced Burton to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with supervision.

He told him: "Normally, as you know, the court would be looking at an immediate custodial sentence for offences of this type.

"But this is a highly unusual case and I can take a different course.

"Your record is exemplary and I have no doubt you will never appear before the courts again."