An Islington man who stabbed his 21-year-old victim three times in the back has been jailed for nine years.

Ralston Dodd, 24, of Britannia Row, off Essex Road, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Dodd attacked the man in Laycock Street, outside the council offices off Upper Street, on September 18.

The victim has since made a full recovery – but police said he was lucky to escape with his life.

After the incident, detectives from the Islington Gangs Unit identified Dodd as the suspect. He was arrested on October 11 and pleaded guilty due to the “weight of evidence against him”, the Met said.

Det Insp Will Lexton-Jones said: “The professionalism and dedication of the officers led by Det Cons Ben Glinski who worked on this investigation was exceptional and has ultimately led to an extremely dangerous offender being jailed.

“This was an appalling act of violence that almost cost a man his life. The seriousness of this offence is reflected in the extensive prison sentence.”