A ROTHERHAM father was sentenced to four years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court today after stabbing an amateur boxer through the heart with a six-inch screwdriver.

William Lowe, 44, drove the tool right through to Gwyn Wale’s back on August 27^th and left him fighting for his life.

Wale, 27, of Becknoll Road, Rotherham, was not in court, but his family clapped and cheered as Lowe was taken into custody.

The pair, who knew each other by sight, began fighting when Wale misconstrued a comment Lowe made whilst returning from his sister’s house.

Wale had been building a wall for his neighbour, but called Lowe “a ******g prick” and charged at him after he made comments about the quality of his bricklaying.

He threw several punches before kicking Lowe in the mouth and knocking out his two front teeth.

Richard Barrowdell, for Lowe, said Lowe then acted in self defence and took out the Phillips screwdriver he had in his pocket.

“He was being punched around like a bag of potatoes when he took out that screwdriver and did what we all know he did”, he said.

He stabbed Wale twice, piercing his heart sack and causing his chest to fill with blood, and fled the scene.

Wale was given emergency surgery to stop the blood loss and was discharged from hospital on August 30^th.

Lowe, of Edward Street, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, but denied doing so with intent.

He stood immobile as his verdict was delivered.

Judge Simon Lawler said: “It would be quite unjust in this case if my sentence did not reflect the seriousness of this matter and I therefore sentence you to four years in prison.”