A HEARTLESS knifeman who murdered an innocent grandfather as he walked his dog has been jailed for life.

Damian Neaven, 22, stabbed 53-year-old David Huitson after a bitter four-year vendetta.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Huitson became involved in an argument with Neaven.

In 1997 Neaven had been charged with criminal damage to Mr Huitson's car. He also threatened him and his 25-year-old daughter Claire.

The incident led to bad feeling between the two, which culminated in the brutal stabbing.

During his trial Neaven told the jury how he had acted in self-defence when he lashed out after Mr Huitson attacked him with the knife and a stick.

But after four-and-a-half hours deliberation, the jury rejected his claims and found him guilty of murder.

The court had heard how when Mr Huitson's wife Margaret and daughter Claire arrived at Brunswick Village, Newcastle, they found an ambulance and police surrounding their house.

Neaven, of Wansbeck Road, Gosforth, had produced a flip knife and stabbed him in the heart and the chest.

Shortly after the incident, Neaven stopped a police car and handed himself in. Mr Huitson died in hospital on Tuesday March 6.