Two jailed for ‘gross brutality’ of savage stabbing

Richard Baldwin suffered severe injuries including penetrating wounds to his liver and lungs at the hands of Patrick Mullen, who also bit off part of his ear.

Leeds Crown Court heard at the same time as he was being stabbed by Mullen he was also being kicked by David Houghton.

Jailing Mullen for nine years and Houghton for seven, Judge Stephen Ashurst said Mr Baldwin spent three weeks in hospital including periods in the high dependency unit “and without specialised medical support some of his injuries could have proved fatal.”

“It was on the evidence a sustained assault using either a knife or a shod foot as a weapon.”

He said there was also the gratuitous violence and “gross brutality” shown by Mullen severing part of his victim’s ear with his teeth, which was an aggravating feature.

The attack had a “life changing” impact on Mr Baldwin and his family.

The situation was made worse subsequently when pressure was put on him to withdraw his complaint to the police, when he was threatened and offered bribes.

Judge Ashurst said the attack apparently stemmed from a grievance either about a dog not being paid for or someone sleeping with someone else’s partner.

He said the nature of the grievance did not really matter, but it led to Mullen and Houghton going to a flat in Whinmoor Way, Leeds on April 9 where they knew Mr Baldwin was visiting.

“What is clear on the evidence is that Mr Baldwin offered no violence to either of you.”

Mullen was armed with a 12in knife and the judge said he was satisfied he took the lead in the attack.

The court heard there were stab wounds to Mr Baldwin’s body, arms and legs.

Mullen, 28 of Elmete Drive, Oakwood, Leeds and Houghton, 22 of Barncroft Drive, Leeds both admitted wounding Mr Baldwin with intent.

Mullen’s brother Rory, 20, of Boggart Hill Drive, Seacroft, Leeds, was given 12 months’ detention in a young offender institution after he admitted witness intimidation.

Paul Waddington, 53, of Stead Lane, Thorner, Leeds, admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice and was jailed for 12 months with six months consecutive from a previously suspended sentence.

The court heard Rory Mullen told Mr Baldwin he was a “grass” and threatened he was going to die while Waddington, Mullen’s uncle, offered Mr Baldwin money to withdraw his complaint.

Judge Ashurst said he accepted Rory had acted out of misguided loyalty towards his brother but it was a serious offence.

He said Mr Baldwin was not a grass but “a victim of extremely grave violence. If any of you had been stabbed, kicked and mutilated your families would be the first to demand your attackers be dealt with severely.”