THE mother of a teenager stabbed to death on his 18th birthday said yesterday she was confident her son's killer would never be allowed back on the streets.

Mary Best's son, Paul, bled to death after David Mitchell, 19, plunged a kitchen knife into his back during a party at his home in North Crescent, Easington, east Durham, last year.

Mrs Best said she was sure Mitchell, also of North Crescent, Easington, would never regain his freedom after being sentenced to life behind bars for the protection of the public.

Mitchell denied murder and was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility earlier this month.

Mr Justice Simon said only a life sentence would be sufficient to protect the public after probation service reports branded him a high risk to the public.

Mitchell had been prone to violent outbursts in the past.

The judge sentenced Mitchell to life with a tariff of five years, meaning he could be eligible for parole in only two-and-a-half years.

But the judge told him: "In my view, the evidence, together with the history of violent outbursts, which culminated in the killing of Paul Best, indicates you are a young man of unstable character, likely to commit further violence that could result in serious harm tot he public.

"You should be under no illusions that two-and-a-half years, minus the time you have already served, is the minimum time in custody and the likelihood is you will serve a longer period."

Mr Justice Simon said the Parole Board must be satisfied Mitchell no longer posed such a serious risk to the public before they would consider letting him back on to the streets on licence.

The judge said: "Paul Best's life was ended by your crime, causing grief to all those who knew and loved him.

"It is clear the impact of this offence upon his family cannot be underestimated."

Defence barrister Toby Hedworth QC said Mitchell had shown genuine remorse for what happened and had told lawyers he felt "very sad for Paul's parents".

Speaking after the hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, Mrs Best said she would never get over the death of her much-loved son.

She said: "I am happy with the result. I know he will never get out because he will always be a danger - I have said that all along.

"I am happy with the sentence but I know I will never see my son again and they will get to see their son.

"Mitchell celebrates his 21st birthday next year and I am pleased he is going to be inside for what should be a special day. He took Paul's away."

Paul's uncle, Dennis Halliday, who had tried to resuscitate his nephew, said: "We never wanted blood, we wanted justice. He took a child's life at his 18th birthday party, now he's got life and we've got justice - it's as simple as that."