A seasoned criminal from Cricklewood who stabbed a rival in the heart while on bail and prison licence has been locked up for nine years.

Parvez Ahmed, 22, of Galsworthy Road, yelled ‘Die’ as he plunged a ten-inch blade into the back of Akhbar Hussain as he walked home on October 13 last year.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Mr Hussain was lucky to escape with his life because a passer-by happened to be a doctor.

He suffered a heart attack midway through surgery on a damaged left ventricle, spent 12 days in intensive care and contracted pneumonia while in hospital but has since made a full recovery.

Ahmed, who had fought with the victim earlier the same day, was arrested later that night.

The court heard he has previous convictions for assault, threatening behaviour, burglary, supplying drugs and attempted robbery.

He admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced on Friday.

Judge Stephen Wilkinson told him: “This was a grave offence.

“You chose to arm yourself with a knife and you stabbed your victim in the back.

“The position is made worse by the fact that at the time you were both on bail and on prison licence.

“Inevitably this offence is so serious that only a substantial and immediate sentence can be justified.”