Victim saved by roadside op
STAB ATTACKER JAILED FOR 12 YEARS
A man became the first person in the North East to survive emergency roadside heart surgery after he was stabbed during a robbery.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how the surgery saved the victim’s life after he was stabbed in the heart and had cash stolen from him by Kieran Smith, 23.
However the man, who has still not made a full recovery, is unlikely to be able to live an independent life after the attack in Horden on August 9, last year.
Mark Giuliani, prosecuting, told the court how the victim, who has no memory of the robbery or the stabbing, managed to ring the emergency services before collapsing in the street.
He said: “The (victim) went into cardiac arrest and roadside emergency cardiac assistance was given by means of opening up the chest cavity.
“He was taken to James Cook Hospital. He is the first, and to date only person in the North East to have survived following emergency roadside heart surgery.”
He told the court how the man, who was a heroin user, was placed into a medically- induced coma and suffered brain damage through lack of oxygen.
Mr Guiliani told the court how Smith, of Tenth Street, Horden, was boasting to others before or after the attack.
He told the court how before the attack he told two people, “I’m going to tax a smackhead me. I’m going in the back street”, before leaving the address.”
CCTV footage showed Smith in the area before the stabbing and he is seen walking away from the area.
The 38-year-old victim’s DNA was found in blood obtained from the inside of Smith’s trouser waistband.
Smith was originally charged with attempted murder, however, the Crown Prosecution Service accepted a lesser guilty plea to wounding with intent.
He also pleaded guilty to robbery.
Judge Edward Bindloss told Smith that he believes he is a “dangerous offender” and the consequences of his actions have led to “life-changing injuries”.
He told Smith: “A weapon was produced and used, there was a plan made by you shortly before the offence to target a heroin user.
“You made no secret of your actions afterwards.
Judge Bindloss sentenced Smith to 12 years in prison with an extra five years on extended licence.