A man has been jailed for six years after slashing a man across the face and stabbing another in the chest when he tried to intervene during a late-night altercation.

Joel Stoddart, of Consett, produced a knife from his trouser pocket after an argument broke out with a man outside Bar 1, in Consett on December 27 last year.

The 27-year-old slashed the victim resulting in a significant laceration to his face.

On witnessing the incident, a second man tried to step in to help but Stoddart slashed him in the cheek before stabbing him in the chest.(Image: Durham Police)

Both men, who were unknown to Stoddart before the incident, required hospital treatment.

Stoddart admitted wounding with intent, grievous bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article at Durham Crown Court last week and was sentenced to six years in prison.

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A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “This was a particularly aggressive incident which resulted in horrific injuries for the victims.

“Knife crime has such devastating consequences for not just the victim, but everyone involved.

“We will always take robust action against those who choose to carry knives and use them to harm others.”