A MAN pleaded guilty yesterday (Wednesday) to a pub stabbing in Hayes that left another needing life-saving surgery.

The incident earlier this year at the Blue Lagoon pub, formerly The Grange in Wood End Road, resulted in the 34-year-old victim being stabbed through the liver with a kitchen knife.

Michael Shehu, 22, of Varcoe Gardens, Hayes, appeared on remand at Isleworth Crown Court where he admitted grievous bodily harm with intent. He will be sentenced on July 8.

Police were called to the pub on Saturday, March 7, following an altercation between two groups of men.

The dispute started after one played a prank on a friend of Shehu by temporarily taking his crutches away.

An argument developed, which progressed into a confrontation close to the dance floor.

During this incident, which lasted a minute, Shehu drew a red kitchen knife and stabbed the victim in the abdomen.

He and his friends fled the pub, leaving the victim collapsed and heavily bleeding on the floor.

The victim was rushed to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington where he underwent life-saving surgery to his liver, transfusions for significant blood loss and intensive care.

He has since been discharged but is still recovering from his injuries.

The blood-stained knife had traces of Shehu's DNA on it.

Shehu's car, a Vauxhall Vectra, which had been left in the Blue Lagoon car park, was seized and another knife discovered in it.

A search of his home uncovered an incomplete box of multi-coloured kitchen knives. The green and red knives already seized were missing.

Following appeals, Shehu handed himself into Uxbridge police station on May 25 and he was arrested and subsequently charged.

Acting Det Sgt Paul Matthews said: "Medical experts have verified that this victim was a small fraction away from losing his life, with a 5cm knife wound which miraculously missed his spleen.

“Another miracle that day was the immediate first aid given to the victim by an off-duty nurse who was enjoying a night off at the pub.”

The Blue Lagoon was subsequently given a three-month closure order in March. This followed a number of complaints from neighbours and incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour. The review is ongoing.