Knifeman jailed after repeatedly stabbing girlfriend's neighbour in Sunderland street

Stephen Gibson's partner accused neighbour of "looking across into her property" and the claims had resulted in previous confrontations.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the neighbour insisted that while he was smoking out of the balcony of his home it was impossible "not to look in that direction" due to the proximity of their houses.

In a terrifying clash last July, Gibson used a kitchen knife to stab his victim in the arm and chest, causing an unspecified number of wounds including one that punctured his lung but did not require surgery.

The court heard violence flared on July 20 when the neighbour went out to the shop and bumped into Gibson, who was drunk and threw a punch at him that missed, outside his girlfriend's home.

On his way back from the store, the man, who was unarmed, knocked at the door and challenged Gibson to a "straightener" to sort things out but got no response and went home.

The court heard he ended up back outside when he heard shouting and saw Gibson with a kitchen knife in his hand, which he was told to put down.

Prosecutor Kate Barnes told the court: "The defendant lunged towards him, making stabbing motions and the complainant estimates there were approximately 20 attempts to stab at him.

"Some connected with him.

"He attempted to move backwards and the defendant continued to attempt to stab him."

The court heard the attack came to an end when the victim fell to the ground.

Gibson, 36, of Roker Avenue, Sunderland, admitted unlawful wounding and having an article with a blade.

Mr Recorder Neil Haythorne sentenced him to 18 months behind bars.

The judge told him: "You attacked [the victim] with a kitchen knife, trying repeatedly to stab him.

"He sustained stab wounds, including a small puncture to his lung and a significant cut to the top of his arm."

Richard Herrmann, defending, said it was "good fortune rather than judgement" that the victim was not more seriously hurt.

Mr Herrmann said Gibson, who has a partner and children, has limited previous convictions and has a "real and genuine prospect of rehabilitation".

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