Police chief welcomes jailing over Shropshire knife incident
Shropshire's senior detective today welcomed the jailing of two young men who slashed a man's throat with a kitchen knife.
Matthew John Jones aged 20, from Whitchurch and 18-year-old Bradley James Sumner, from Market Drayton, received lengthy prison sentences at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.
Jones was given an initial 10 year sentence and Jones six years. They both admitted maliciously wounding a 22-year-old man with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Their victim was attacked in Great Hales Street in Market Drayton at around 11.30pm on May 22. The court heard that if the wound had been slightly deeper, it might have proved fatal. He underwent emergency treatment at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards, head of Shropshire CID, said: "Violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
"The police will not hesitate to charge offenders and put them before the courts. Today's sentencing sends out a clear message that those who resort to violence can expect to be imprisoned for long periods.
"Thankfully, violence of this nature in Shropshire is relatively rare and is not a major problem. However, street violence impacting on our communities, is particularly sickening. There is no place for it."
He said the police were able to arrest the offenders within 24 hours. "We had tremendous co-operation from the local community and we are grateful for the support shown by a number of witnesses who came forward.
"Although fairly rare in the county, violent crime on this scale is disturbing for all concerned, and it remains a priority for the police in Shropshire and West Mercia as a whole.
"We always urge people to come forward following serious incidents and we generally receive a good response and tremendous support. It's by working together like this with the public that we can make a real difference for the benefit of our local communities," DCI Edwards added.
