THE FAMILY of Lee Collins say they are happy with the 22-year prison sentence handed to the man who stabbed him in the heart and left him for dead.

Joseph Dolan (pictured), of Summerwood Road, Isleworth, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court last Friday (October 5), where he was sentenced for the attempted murder of the 23-year-old.

Mr Collins, of Feltham, spent nearly a month in hospital after the attack in Elmwood Avenue, Feltham, on March 2 this year and was left with life-changing injuries.

Speaking outside the court, his family said: “We’re really happy with the result. Hopefully this will make people realise they can’t go around with knives committing crimes.”

Dolan, 21, who had a previous conviction for possession of a knife, was found guilty on September 4 of attempted murder.

The court heard how, when he was arrested 10 days after the attack, Dolan had in his car a lock-knife almost identical to the one he had used to stab Mr Collins.

Sentencing Dolan today, Recorder Richard McGregor-Johnson said: “You were prepared to kill someone because he, to use the modern vernacular, disrespected you.

“Ten days later, perhaps thinking you had got away with it you again carried a similar weapon.

“Until you learn the consequences of carrying such a weapon and behaving as if you have the right to do exactly as you want you represent a serious risk of committing similar offences and causing serious harm.”

The sentence was met with cheers from the public gallery, but Dolan, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit with blue stripes, showed no emotion as he was led away.

The court had heard how Mr Collins had been standing with a group of friends beside his new car when Dolan passed by in another vehicle and spat out of his window.

When Mr Collins made a comment about his behaviour, Dolan jumped out of the car and marched towards him before pulling a knife from his jacket and stabbing him in the heart. He then calmly walked back to the car, which sped off.

Mr Collins was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated for heart and brain injuries before being released on March 27.

He has been left with a permanent weakness to the left side of his body and will require further surgery.

Acting DCI Andy Manning, of the Met’s Homicide Serious Crime Command, also welcomed the sentence.

“I am pleased with today’s sentence which sends out a clear message that people who engage in such mindless violence will face a long period behind bars. That is precisely where Dolan belongs,” he said.

“This was an attack that was shocking in its brutality and the repercussions for the victim and his family have been severe and will last a lifetime for Lee.

“Lee’s life was saved thanks only to the expert medical care provided by the emergency services. I hope that he and his family will take some comfort from seeing justice served.”