BMW owner stabbed in the neck during 'explosion of violence'

James Blackburn hitched a lift to a cashpoint from the offshore worker before launching the unprovoked attack which he was ‘lucky’ to survive but has left the victim suffering physically and mentally.

The 23-year-old also plunged the knife into the man’s chest and arm before fleeing the scene at Home Bargains in Stockton.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the victim is now unable to work or look after himself properly due to the nerve damage he suffered during the attack which has left him with breathing and mobility issues.

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Emma Atkinson said: “He tried to protect himself which was when he was stabbed in the arm twice, after he had been stabbed in the neck. The victim feared the defendant would continue to stab him unless he got out of the car.

“The defendant seemed to be screaming something as he was stabbing the man. The victim fell out of the car and fled the scene as quickly as he could.

James Blackburn. Picture: CLEVELAND POLICE

Ms Atkinson read out a summary of the man’s victim impact statement, saying: "He used to be active and social but is now a shadow of his former self. He doesn't dare go out and constantly checks doors that are locked.

"He was advised by a psychologist that he suffers with PTSD, anxiety and depression. He was unable to work which put a financial strain on the family home.”

His wife also prepared a victim impact statement outlining the devastating impact Blackburn’s attack had on the entire family and her ability to work.

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Following the brutal attack, the defendant drove off, filled the car with fuel and made off without paying, Ms Atkinson said.

She added that he was then spotted by police in the Middleton-in-Teesdale area prompting a high-speed chase reaching speeds in excess of 120mph as he drive towards Darlington.

Police were forced to use a Stinger to bring the pursuit to an end after he drove through a red light and drove on the wrong-side of the road.

She said: "The officer followed the defendant. He overtook a Volvo at speed and was trying to evade police. Even at 120mph the officer couldn't gain ground on him.

"He continued to fail to stop. He drove through Winston at about 115mph. He was then driving at 120mph around a sweeping bend."

The car park of Home Bargains in Stockton where the knife attack took place. Picture: GOOGLE

Blackburn, of Harford Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, robbery, driving without insurance, making off without paying for fuel, and dangerous driving.

Amrit Jandoo, in mitigation, said his client had suffered a traumatic upbringing and suffered from his own form of PTSD and added that he regrets his actions and is remorseful.

He added: “You can only describe the series of these very serious offences as an explosion of violence.”

Judge Howard Crowson passed an extended sentence of 14 years with a custodial term of ten-and-a-half years for the attack as he told Blackburn that ‘fatal injury was only avoided by chance’.

“It was an unprovoked, persistent, and violent knife attack. The resulting injuries were extremely grave, life-changing, and he continues to live with the emotional effects and full recovery is unlikely,” he said.

Blackburn was also banned from driving for nine years.

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