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Posted on Thursday 19 May 2022
Thomas Brazell

This is the X-ray of a man who was millimetres from death when the 14cm blade from a kitchen knife became lodged in his throat after being attacked.

He survived after undergoing hours of emergency surgery to remove the blade, which had become detached from the handle, however he has been left with significant life-changing injuries.

A fight broke out in Jubilee Road, Shildon, shortly after 9pm on October 31 last year during which Thomas Brazell, 28, pulled out the knife.

Brazell, of Shildon, had previously admitted grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon at Newcastle Crown Court and yesterday was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison.

The sentencing comes as the national campaign #OpSceptre is underway this week aiming to reduce the number of bladed articles that might otherwise be used in crime.

Knife bins are in the receptions of Bishop Auckland, Durham City, Darlington, and Peterlee police stations, until tomorrow to allow people to surrender items anonymously.

Detective Constable Sunil Weerasinghe, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This man is incredibly lucky to be alive, although he will suffer the consequences of the attack for the rest of his life.

“As we have seen here, knife crime has such devastating consequences for not just the victim, but everyone involved.

“We will always take robust action against those who choose to carry knives and use them to harm others.

“Hopefully, this sentence will give Thomas Brazell a chance to reflect on his actions.”

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