A “frenzied” screwdriver-wielding thug who repeatedly stabbed a rival inside a Costcutter store has been locked up.

Karamvir Dhadda, 19, rained blows into Carl Brock’s ribs, thigh and bottom during a row in front of horrified customers in Margate.

Dhadda, of Plumstead, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday to 31 months inside a Young Offender Institution.

The violence exploded following a “scuffle” between Mr Brock and Dhadda’s friend at the Northdown Road supermarket in August 2021.

“The defendant ran into that scuffle and made a stabbing motion into Mr Brock multiple times,” prosecutor Antony Hook said.

Mr Brock was treated at the QEQM hospital in Margate with surgical glue for one puncture wound below his left ribs, with a further two to his left thigh and bottom.

CCTV played in court showed Dhadda brandishing the weapon before raining down a succession of rapid blows from behind his victim.

But shopper Jack Shaw intervened by restraining Dhadda with his hands, attracting a judge’s commendation for his bravery.

Judge Recorder Bate-Williams described Dhadda’s attack as a “frenzied” and “chilling” attempt to defend his friend.

“Not content with stabbing [Mr Brock], you then pursued him in a fairly determined manner,” he added.

“The speed with which you reached for the screwdriver persuades me you were well aware of the presence of that weapon in your pocket.

“Attacking Mr Brock from behind gave him no opportunity to defend himself.”

Dhadda’s lawyer argued his rehabilitation could be managed within the community after having experienced “a taste of custody” for five months on remand.

Edmund Fowler, defending, said Dhadda, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was of previous good character, is on the autism spectrum and has displayed genuine remorse.

“He has had a taste of custody and he knows what it can be like,” he explained.

He has also since quit smoking cannabis, the court heard.

Supported by friends and family in the public gallery, Dhadda, of Doebury Walk, wore a white and blue sweater and Covid mask.

He pleaded guilty at an early opportunity to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.