Pub-goer is stabbed over swearing row

A pub-goer who stabbed another drinker four times after a row erupted has been sent to jail.

- Mark Payne

William Blaney, who is 22 years of age, pulled out a knife and attacked another man during a dispute at The Royal pub, in Church Street, Hartlepool.

Teesside Crown Court, in Middlesbrough, was told how trouble flared between the two men after the victim swore at Blaney's girlfriend in a smoking area.

Blaney responded by taking out a craft knife and stabbing the victim four times to the abdomen and shoulder.

One was very close to the victim's heart, said prosecutor Ian West.