A ‘SELFISH’ teenager who made his neighbours’ lives a living nightmare almost killed one of them by stabbing him during a heated argument.

Danish Moosaji was just 18 when he plunged a knife into Fahim Rashid, severing his main artery, the aorta, and leaving him fighting for his life.

A jury found the teenager not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of wounding with intent. He has now been sentenced to serve nine years in a young offenders' institution for the crime he committed outside his home on Dalton Close, Blackburn, on August 5.

Preston Crown Court heard how Moosaji’s behaviour leading up to the incident had escalated, resulting in his own parents calling the police 28 times.

Judge Heather Lloyd described how the ‘self-centred’ teen had made the lives of both his own family and those living close to him a nightmare with his incessant bad behaviour, ranting and raving.

Some members of the neighbouring Rashid family were scared to leave their home for the prospect of coming across Moosaji, who had also damaged their property and cars.

However, it was heard how in the days running up to the incident, the teenager had been attacked in the street twice.

On August 5, Mr Rashid awoke to noise coming from a dispute in the street outside his home, prompting him to get dressed and go outside.

Judge Lloyd said: “Mr Rashid was asleep having worked all night and was awoken as a result of what was going on outside his window. But within moments of having left the house he was bleeding to death internally.

“He could have easily died. You deliberately used a knife to stab him. He stood no chance.

“There is no credible evidence you showed him the knife as a warning. The stab wound penetrated his aorta. He was given 12 units of blood, so severe was the injury.”

In defence, Mark Rhind QC said: “The argument was developing, things were getting heated, and threats were being made. It is in those circumstances, having been attacked twice in the previous few days and in a heated argument, that he had that knife and he used it.

“He used it once, it was a single blow. As soon as the impact of what had happened was clear, he desisted.

“He expressed remorse when arrested. He asked about Mr Rashid and prayed for his health. He was not a man who cared nothing for what he had done. In a moment of high tensions and panic he did what he did.”

From a victim impact statement outlined in court by prosecutor Peter Warne, the court heard how Mr Rashid felt his life would never be the same again as a result of attack.

He continues to undergo treatment for the injury and is scheduled to have another operation in the coming months.

Judge Lloyd said: “During the trial you were described as childish and immature. The references which I have speak of you in glowing terms, but the adjectives used to describe you - hardworking, kind-hearted, considerate and with a heart of gold, bear no relation to the picture painted of you and which emerged during the trial.

“I say that the words to describe you might include selfish, self-centred and possibly indulged.

“I have every sympathy for your parents. I am sure they are well-respected as your mother says, but how on earth could they cope with you and your behaviour? You were out of control.

“You told the jury your parents took you to various places to assess your behaviour and you also told us nothing wrong was found with your medical health. There is no medical evidence to say otherwise.

“We heard your parents had to call the police on 28 occasions because of your behaviour. Whether this was because of social services or not, it demonstrates the extremes to which they had to resort. No parent wants to have to do that. They must have been at the end of their tether.”

Judge Lloyd concluded: “Your criminal actions towards Mr Rashid have been life-changing. He said in his statement that he cannot imagine being the old Fahim again.

“You said in evidence that you regretted what you had done or how you behaved. Bluntly it seems to be there really has not been a shred of remorse. I am satisfied that any regret expressed is purely self-concern for your own situation.”

Det Sgt Alex Rawsthorn, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a serious assault that would have resulted in the death of a young man if not for the fast and selfless actions of the residents of Dalton Close and officers.

“It is only through luck more than judgement, that Moosaji wasn’t facing a murder charge.

“I want to thank everybody who played a part in securing this significant sentence and praise the victim for the bravery he has shown throughout this case. Hopefully the fact Moosaji is now in custody will provide him with some comfort.”