Man jailed for brutal Leeds attack over bank card

The victim David Crosthwaite had agreed to let Leon Paul Walmsley use his bank account to pay some money through, giving him his bank card and PIN so Walmsley could get access to it.

But he subsequently thought better of the arrangement and contacted his bank to block the card, Carmel Pearson prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

On December 6 last year Walmsley rang up demanding to know why he had stopped the card and minutes later turned up at Mr Crosthwaite’s home in Beeston and when he was told it was because he did not want Walmsley also having access to his money, Walmsley became angry.

He lashed out at Mr Crosthwaite, punching him with both fists to the head, nose and cheeks before kicking him in the ribs.

Walmsley then went into the kitchen and returned armed with a hammer which he struck his victim with on the left thigh before again kicking him in the ribs.

He punched Mr Crosthwaite on the nose again resulting in blood pouring from it and again used the hammer swinging it at his ribs.

Mr Crosthwaite was terrified and had blood on him. He was told to change and was then marched to an address in Recreation Row, Holbeck where he was kept, with the intention of going to the bank the next morning but managed to escape when Walmsley fell asleep.

He went to work and reported what had happened and was then treated in hospital for his injuries to his head which made him almost unrecognisable.

Walmsley, 22, formerly of Stratford Avenue, Beeston, Leeds admitted grievous bodily harm with intent and false imprisonment.

He was jailed for seven years with an extended two years licence on his release. Recorder Michelle Heeley said there had to be a lengthy sentence since it involved a sustained attack and the use of a weapon.

Adrian Pollard, for Walmsley, said he was “sorry for the misery he has caused”.