A 64-YEAR-OLD grandfather who knifed a drinker during a bloody brawl at a Bridgwater pub has been spared prison.

Thomas Gough, from Longstone Avenue, pulled out a Stanley knife and thrust it into the chest of popular pub regular Patrick Woodrow, during a violent argument at the Pig and Whistle on Sydenham's Parkway, Taunton Crown Court heard on Friday.

The Mercury reported how Mr Woodrow needed stitches for a stomach gash after the incident last April.

The court heard on Friday how Gough's son Jamie had got into an argument with a group celebrating a birthday party at the pub.

Mr Woodrow stepped in to protect a friend in the row, whereupon Gough pulled out the knife and stabbed him, the court was told.

Gough fled but was later caught by police, and admitted: “I stuck him”. Mr Woodrow, 44, suffered psychological trauma after the attack, the court was told.

Patrick Mason, defending, said Gough was a family man, married for 45 years, who had previously committed no significant offences.

Mr Mason said: “He is a thoroughly decent senior citizen, who got himself involved in an ugly incident.”

Gough, who admitted possession of a blade and GBH, received a 51-week jail term, suspended for two years, as well as a two-year supervision order, a three-month curfew and a two-year ban from entering the Pig and Whistle.

Judge Stephen O'Malley said courts were trying to stamp out the “evil of knife crime”.

He added: “If someone has a knife on them, albeit innocently, they can get into trouble.”