A TEENAGER involved in a vicious knife attack escaped a life sentence - because he was one year too young, a judge said.

Recorder Christopher Vosper QC said he would have sentenced the Newport 17-year-old to life "to protect the public" if he was aged over 18. Instead the teenager, who cannot be named, must serve four years detention after admitting a charge of wounding with intent.

He appeared before Cardiff crown court yesterday for sentencing, along with a 16-year-old boy and Gareth Bush 19, (pictured) of Newport.

Prosecutor John Holmes listed a catalogue of violent incidents the trio was involved in:

l On March 14 Michael Miller left his home at Penny Crescent, Malpas, Newport and intervened when a gang attacked a youth. The 16-year-old threw half a breeze block at his head and later shouted: "I wanted to kill you with that brick."

l On March 22, Stephen Fairie left Bettws rugby club with his girlfriend, who was verbally abused by a group including Bush and the 17-year-old. At one point the 17-year-old sat astride Mr Fairie and put a hunting knife across his mouth - cutting both sides of it. Bush struck him twice to the head with an object. Mr Fairie needed six stitches for cuts to his head and left thumb.

l On April 3, Bush and the 16-year-old went to Bettws Comprehensive School. An Asian pupil, aged 16, was punched and kicked, and Bush shouted racial insults at the him. They brought with them a Staffordshire bull terrier which was urged to attack people. When teacher Mark McCormack stepped in he was struck twice to the head and ribs by Bush. Bush, of Welland Circle, Bettws, was sent to a youth offenders institution for 18 months after admitting a charged of causing racially aggravated actual body harm, assault and affray.

The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to causing actual body Harm and affray and was sentenced to a community punishment order for two years. The court heard that Bush was also in breach of a community punishment order for assault and causing actual body harm involving attacking a couple walking over Newport bridge.

Representing him, Eugene Egan, said: "He is not a racist and did not target his victim. He should not have been at the school.

"He said things which should not have been said. He has some qualities and is a talented prize winning coarse fisherman."