Two men who ‘ferociously’ stabbed a defenceless victim up to 13 times, leaving him to die in the street after demanding the keys to his Mercedes, have today been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
Lee James Henry Daniels (below), 26, of Castleway, Hindley, was sentenced to 10 and a half years after pleading guilty to Section 18 assault, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.
His accomplice Kieran David Wright, 27, of the same address, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for the same offences, plus twocking.
The 59-year-old victim was confronted when leaving a relative’s home on Worcester Avenue, Hindley, at about 9.30am on Sunday February 17.
He was then stabbed repeatedly with a double bladed knife after being ordered to hand over his car keys – suffering permanent scarring and nerve damage, and now has very limited movement in his arm.
Detective Sergeant Graham Clare from Wigan division, said: “Thankfully the victim survived this horrendous, unprovoked attack.
“He has recover
ed enough for him to be able to return to work, but has been left with life changing injuries which are a constant reminder of the terror he felt that morning.”
On the morning of the attack, Wright and Daniels abandoned a Vauxhall Zafira on Norfolk Close and Fernbray Road in Hindley – a vehicle that had been previously stolen during a burglary in Makerfield.
At about 9.55am, the 59-year-old victim heard a noise coming from behind him on Worcester Avenue, and before he had time to turn Wright grabbed him by the collar and began shouting aggressively.
He demanded the car keys to his white C220 Mercedes 11 plate, which is worth about £36,000 and was parked at the address.
Wright, who was wearing a balaclava, then began to ferociously stab him despite being continually told he could take the keys.
But the attackers left empty handed after the victim dropped his house keys, which distracted the pair allowing him to break free and run away.
During the struggle the victim sustained 12 or 13 stab wounds to the left side of his body and face, one of which went all the way through this left forearm.
He spent five days in hospital, and now has limited movement in his left arm and is unable to grip items – he also has to wear a brace and splint to aid his recovery.
DS Clare added: “It is by chance and not design that his horrific injuries did not prove fatal. He was stabbed numerous times just so these would-be thieves could steal his car.
“His life has been irrevocably changed for the worse and there is no sentence that can alter that.
“I hope these men can now reflect on the long-term damage they have caused.”
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