A PASSING motorist turned hero to save an innocent teenager who was being stabbed and kicked by a gang of vigilantes.

Thomas Delaney stopped his van and ran to the rescue of the 17-year-old youth being attacked as he lay defenceless on the ground.

Mr Delaney, who knew the thugs, kicked knifeman Richard Hill so hard he smashed his jaw and punched Daniel Livesley with such force that he split open his nose. His actions saved Christopher Pourabolghassiam from more serious injury, although he still suffered a potentiallly life-threatening stab wound during the incident on Manchester Road, Mossley.

At Manchester Crown Court, one of the city's top judges paid a personal tribute to Mr Delaney for his `brave and timely intervention'.

Judge Clement Goldstone also urged the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester, Peter Fahy, to reward Mr Delaney for his bravery. He said: "He saw what was happening and took the trouble to stop in order to go to the victim's aid."

The judge told Hill and Livesley the injuries they suffered at the hands of Mr Delaney were `quite frankly no more than each of you deserved'.

The judge then jailed 22-year-old Hill, of Old Brow, Mossley, for seven years.

Hill had admitted wounding Mr Pourabolghassiam, who was stabbed in the chest and arm as he tried to defend himself.

Livesley, 19, of Carter Street, Mossley, admitted causing grievous bodily harm, but because he has spent the equivalent of a 13-month jail term on remand, he was given a community order.

Both of the men were involved with others in a mistaken revenge attack when the victim and a friend were `hopelessly outnumbered' by a five-strong posse recruited by Hill.