Druggies jailed for stabbing Leeds student with pair of scissors

Leeds Crown Court heard one of the attackers jumped on the scissors to force it through the victim’s hand during the attack before they threatened to do the same to his feet and cut off his ear.

The court heard the Leeds University student was subjected to an ordeal lasting more than two hours after he was targeted as he crossed a railway bridge in the Burley area of Leeds.

Adam Mather was given a 15-year sentence and Richard Holmes was jailed for more than eight years after they both pleaded guilty to robbery and wounding with intent.

Mather, 36, who has a long history of committing serious violent offences, and accomplice Holmes, 34, were high on a combination of premium strength lager, heroin, methadone and crack cocaine when they carried out the attack on the evening of October 14.

Richard Clews, prosecuting, described how the student was targeted at 8pm as he crossed the bridge off Cardigan Road.

He feared he was going to be killed as one of them smashed a glass bottle before holding it against his throat during the ordeal.

He was ordered to hand over his bank cards and disclose the pin numbers before Mather walked to cash machines while Holmes held him prisoner.

Mather, of no fixed address, then returned after being unable to obtain any cash and told the student: “We will kill you. We are professionals. We do this a lot.”

The victim then wrote the pin numbers down and Mather went back in search of cash machines. As Holmes, of Mitford Terrace, Armley, was holding the victim captive, he managed to reach for a pair of scissors from his pencil case and tried to use them to defend himself.

Holmes overpowered him by headbutting and punching him to the face. When Mather returned, Holmes told him what had happened. Mather then took the scissors and said: “I’m going to stick these through you hand.”

Holmes then held the student down while Mather stabbed him in the palm.

Mr Clews said: “Mather stamped on the protruding scissors to make sure they went right through the palm and right through and impaled the hand on the ground.”

Mather then threatened to put the scissors through the victim’s feet before Holmes used them to stab him in the palm of his other hand.

Mather went back to the cash machine and withdrew £200. The student was then given his bank cards back and ordered to wipe them clean of finger prints before the attackers finally left him.

The court heard the student had to undergo an operation and received plastic surgery on his hand injury. His injuries are still severe from the nerve damage. He has been left unable to write and may not be able to continue with his studies.

Mather and Holmes were arrested short distances from the attack later that evening and initially tried to deny their involvement.

Anthony Sugare, for Mather, said: “This is an horrendous crime, even as as far as crimes go in this court.”

Graham Parkin, for Holmes, said his client was full of disbelief and shame at what he had done and wished to write to the victim to say sorry.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC, gave Mather an 11-year prison sentence but told him he must serve an extended licence period of four years.

He said: “One cannot begin to imagine the terror that this victim must have felt.”

He added: “I accept that neither of you took these scissors to the scene. But there came a time, Mather, when you lost your temper and you were handed them by Holmes.

“There was what can only be described as a sadistic use of violence.”

As Holmes, of Mitford Terrace, Armley, was holding the victim captive, he managed to reach for a pair of scissors from his pencil case and tried to use them to defend himself.

Holmes overpowered him by headbutting and punching him to the face. When Mather returned, Holmes told him what had happened. Mather then took the scissors and stabbed him in the palm.

Mr Clews said: “Mather stamped on the protruding scissors to make sure they went right through the palm and right through and impaled the hand on the ground.”

Mather went back to the cash machine and withdrew £200.

The student was then given his bank cards back and ordered to wipe them clean of finger prints before the attackers finally left him.

The court heard the student had to undergo an operation and received plastic surgery on his hand injury. He has been left unable to write and may not be able to continue with his studies.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC, said: “One cannot even begin to imagine the terror that this victim must have felt.”