Stabbing victim feels safe at last after '˜psychotic' neighbour detained indefinitely

Terry Robinson finally feels safe again.

Mr Robinson was stabbed 15 times after neighbour Dean Marshall attacked him in a frenzied assault outside their block of flats in River Drive, South Shields.

For the last 10 months the 59-year-old says he has lived in fear that Marshall, who lived two floors above him, would be freed to roam the streets again.

The injuries suffered by Terry Robinson in an attack by Dean Marshall.

After learning Marshall is to be detained in hospital indefinitely, and must stay away from him for the rest of his life, Mr Robinson says he can finally have a good night’s sleep.

He said: “This is the best outcome I could have wished for. I finally feel safe. I’ve been so stressed and worried that he was going to end up back on the streets.

“I had visions that one day I’d leave my flat and there he’d be, waiting for me outside. I’d even thought about moving but I love it here, despite what happened. It’s a really nice place to live.

“It’s just a massive relief that there’s going to be no chance of him being freed anytime soon.”

He added: “I said I wanted to be dead before he gets released and maybe I’ll get my wish and he’ll stay locked away for a long, long time.“

Mr Robinson, who says he has no idea why Marshall attacked him that day believes he owes his life to his neighbours.

Upstairs neighbour Neil Gunn stepped in to help – wielding a frying pan he had been using – while another male neighbour helped to restrain Marshall.

A woman with first-aid experience helped to stop the flow of blood, while other neighbours called for emergency assistance.

Mr Robinson, who was taken to Newcastle’s RVI for surgery on his wounds, said: “Without them, I don’t know where I’d be right now.

“They are my heroes. It has restored my faith in humanity

“I still don’t know why he went crazy that day, nothing of note had happened to make him react that way, I was saying goodbye to my family.

“Over the years there had been issues with him playing loud music and making noises but that was it.”

Mr Robinson still bears scars down the side of his face and neck, but hopes in time they will fade.

He said: “You can still see them, but I am hoping they will get better with time.

“It’s been a stressful 10 months, even having to go to court on Monday to give evidence was a shock to the system and quite a daunting experience.

“This whole thing has been a massive ordeal for me.”