A jealous ex-boyfriend who stabbed his former partner's new lover has been jailed for three years.

Gareth Burns, 23, had hoped to reconcile his relationship with Ann-Marie Jackson but 'snapped' when her new man Karl Dodd opened her front door in West Road, Bridgehill, Consett.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Burns stabbed Mr Dodd in the face and chest after attacking him with a lump of concrete.

Mr Dodd spent two days in intensive care after suffering massive blood loss. His lung collapsed nine days later and he spent a total of three-and-a-half weeks in hospital.

Miss Jackson, who had been with Burns for six years and had two children with him, has since taken him back and plans to wait for him while he serves his time behind bars.

Burns, who had been bailed to an address at Pleasant View, Tirphil, Gwent, South Wales, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Glen Gatland, mitigating, told the court: "He was shocked and surprised to see a man at the house at that time....in what he regarded was his home."

The court heard how Miss Jackson had formed a new relationship with electricity salesman Mr Dodd and had gone out for the night leaving him at her home.

Prosecutor Roger Elsey told the court: "Early on May 5 Mr Dodd heard a knock at the door. The defendant was outside holding a lump of concrete. He lunged at him and there was a struggle which spilled into the house.

"The defendant then grabbed a kitchen knife. Mr Dodd was frightened and he picked up a knife as well, hoping to scare him off. There was a confrontation and the defendant stabbed Mr Dodd to his face then his chest."

A neighbour called the police. Burns was arrested but told police everything at the house had been a blur. Burns himself was left with a wound to his left arm and lower chest.

Mr Gatland added: "Since the offence the family have been reconciled. She is waiting for when he has served his sentence to try and get back with him."

Judge David Hodson, who sentenced Burns to three years in prison, said: "You have accepted your responsibility. You are remorseful and I accept that is completely genuine remorse."