A MAN who was put on trial for murder, even though it was a hospital blunder that killed his friend, has been cleared by a court.

Andrew Ferguson, 29, stabbed 33-year-old Paul Cardella in the back with a 7in blade, in February.

Mr Cardella survived the attack, despite the fact that the blade came to rest on his heart, but died on the operating table after a ventilation tube was inserted into his oesophagus instead of his airway.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that he died two weeks later as a result of brain damage.

Toby Hedworth QC, prosecuting, had told the court: "If this defendant stabbed Paul Cardella without lawful excuse, and if his action contributed significantly to the death - not the sole cause or the principal cause, but contributed significantly - then he is responsible in law for the death."

But after the prosecution case ended yesterday, Mr Justice Gibson directed the jury to deliver a not guilty verdict.

Bar manager Mr Ferguson still faces a charge of wounding with intent.

Mr Cardella was taken to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital after being found with a knife embedded up to its hilt in his back.

During the operation to remove the blade, Mr Cardella suffered a cardiac arrest and never regained consciousness. He died on March 8.

Mr Ferguson, of Jefferson Place, Newcastle, told police the pair had rowed that morning and that it was Mr Cardella who initially attacked him with the knife.

He denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial continues.