Hero fitness fanatic repeatedly stabbed by thug in frenzied attack after stepping in to save woman in street

Aidan Morrissey, 18, attacked Will Flint after he stepped in during the assault on the woman at a cashpointAidan Morrissey admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article

A teenage thug has been jailed for almost nine years after leaving a hero fitness competitor scarred for life in a brutal New Year’s knife attack .
Aidan Morrissey, 18, repeatedly stabbed Will Flint at a cashpoint and left him needing more than 60 stitches from a dozen separate knife wounds.
The teenager had been attacking a woman when the brave software developer heard the commotion and intervened in the early hours New Year’s Day.
Mr Flint, 27, had won national physique competitions - but may now never be involved in competitions again, Will FlintWill Flint's injuriesOfficers identified Morrissey, of Billbrook Grove in Weoley Castle, after a public appeal and he admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.
He was also sentenced for two counts of battery against the woman who was punched in the eye and had her hair pulled.
Morrisey was jailed for a total of eight years and 10 months at Birmingham Crown Court on February 9.
After the sentencing, Mr Flint re-lived the horror to highlight the dangers of knife crime.
He said: “I was at the ATM when I heard a commotion: a young woman was being yelled at.
“I spoke to the man but almost immediately he pulled a knife and began stabbing me.
"I have had some martial arts training and managed to deflect some of the blows, without that I’m not sure I would still be alive."
He said: “It was a traumatic time not only for myself but also my family; it will have a lasting physical and emotional impact and the scars will stay with me for life.
“It’s unlikely I’ll be able to return to full fitness again because of this and just shows how knives can permanently affect someone’s life.”
Detective Constable Gareth Johnson, from Force CID, said: “This was a particularly severe attack and one that highlights the dangers of carrying a knife as just one momentary lapse can have long-lasting consequences.
“Knife crime is unacceptable and we are committed to punishing those who ignore the risks and dangers of illegally carrying one.
“We were thankful to the information provided by the public following our appeal which helped to build up the case against Morrissey.”