Thugs locked up for Market Drayton throat slash attack
Three thugs who chased a 23-year-old man home from a Shropshire takeaway before slashing his throat with a knife have been detained for a total of more than 10 years.
Victim Christopher Wheeler feared he was 'going to die' when he was left bleeding on his doorstep after the attack in Market Drayton, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.
Yesterday Bradley Sumner, 18, Ricky Handley and Matthew Jones, both 20, were each sentenced for their part in the attack in Great Hales Street on May 22.
Jones, of Castle Court, Whitchurch, was sent to a young offender's institution for a minimum of three years and four months for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two years, to run concurrently, for possession of an offensive weapon.
Judge Robin Onions said for public protection the sentence would be indefinite because Jones is 'seriously dangerous' with a 'deeply worrying' record.
It means Jones has to satisfy the parole board he no longer poses a risk before he can be released.
Sumner, of New Street Lane, Market Drayton, was sent to a YOI for six years and three months for wounding with intent.
Handley, of Copper Beech Road, Ketley, Telford, was sent to a YOI for 16 months for affray. All three admitted the charges.
Sentencing the youths, Judge Onions said Mr Wheeler would be 'scarred for life'.
The judge told the defendants: "This is an offence of frightening seriousness . . . you had been drinking, and drinking to excess."
Ms Rhiannon Jones, prosecuting, said Jones had pressed the knife against Mr Wheeler's throat, cutting him, then pressed it against his cheek and threatened to cut his eyes out.
She added Mr Wheeler needed 12 stitches at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
She said doctors said his wound could have been fatal had the blade gone three millimetres deeper.
Police welcomed the sentences.
