Norwich: Man Jailed For 12 Years For New Year's Eve Knife Attack

5 July 2013, 15:39 | Updated: 5 July 2013, 16:44

A Norwich man has been jailed for 12 years for attempted murder, after admitting a New Year's Eve knife attack.

David Roberts, 50, from Bullard Road in the city, was jailed at Norwich Crown Court today (Friday 5 July) after an incident on Monday 31 December 2012 at about 10.45pm under the Magdalen Street flyover in Norwich.

A 51-year-old Norwich man, who was helping a woman who was in distress and upset in the street, was attacked by Roberts.

He slashed his face and throat with a knife causing a five inch cut across his throat and a two and half inch cut across his left cheek.

His injuries were initially thought to be life threatening, but was released from hospital after treatment a few days later.

Roberts, who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing on 31 May, was also sentenced for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

During the sentencing hearing Judge Stephen Holt praised the prompt actions of the police officers who attended the scene and said that their swift actions in giving initial first aid treatment to the victim no doubt saved his life.

Investigating officer DC Roland Philpin said: "This was an horrific and violent attack on an innocent man who was helping a woman on New Year's Eve. It was a tragic case of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time and is an incident that has dramatically changed his life.

"The victim is incredibly fortunate that he didn't die from his injuries, as he lost a considerable amount of blood. However, he will have to live with permanent scarring to his face and neck, as well as dealing with the mental trauma of having to carry this aggressive and unprovoked attack around in his mind for the rest of his life.

"I'd also take this opportunity to remind people that carrying a knife without a legitimate reason is both dangerous and illegal. We would urge anyone that is considering carrying one to think long and hard about the consequences. We will deal robustly with those who commit crimes using one and those who are caught in possession of knives."