A FORMER bus driver who stabbed a fish and chip shop owner after a row, has been jailed for 12 months.

Croydon Crown Court heard Graham Stoakes, aged 57, of Erith High Street, had been in the shop, also in the High Street, on September 28, 2001. An argument started between him and his girlfriend.

Shop owner Gary Sparks intervened. Martin Hooper, prosecuting, told the court: "Stoakes went to his home and picked up two knives, one with a four-inch blade and the other with a five-inch blade.

"His object was to get his girlfriend and bring her away. Mr Sparks approached the defendant and grabbed him, and there was a tussle during which he was wounded twice."

Mr Sparkes suffered two injuries to his lower back. Stoakes pleaded guilty to wounding. A more serious charge of wounding with intent, which he denied, was not proceeded with.

April 29, 2003 13:00