A man has been jailed for 21 years after launching a knife attack on a woman in Gilesgate.
In May this year, David Fletcher dragged the victim into a secluded area between two buildings and began attacking her with a knife.
As she screamed out for help, a woman ran over to try and intervene and attempted to grab the knife from Fletcher.
Using all her strength, the woman managed to get the knife and moved it away from Fletcher whilst other members of the public approached to create distance between them.
As officers arrived, residents pointed them in the direction of Fletcher who was casually sat on a brick wall with the knife sheath in his possession.
He was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.
The 62-year-old, of South Shields plead guilty to attempt murder, possession of a knife and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier court hearing.
On Friday, at Teesside Crown Court he was jailed for 17 years with a further four years on extended licence.
Detective Constable Jack Robinson, from Durham City CID said: “This was a terrifying incident for both the victim and residents who bravely intervened to save the woman’s life.
“Levels of violence like this will not be tolerated in County Durham and Darlington and we will do everything in our control to remove dangerous and volatile people like Fletcher off our streets.
“The victim has made a full recovery and I hope she takes some comfort in knowing her attacker is behind bars for a considerable time.”
Man dragged woman into a secluded area and attacked her with a knife
