Three men, members of the same family, have had their sentences increased following an intervention by the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP.
Brothers David Lamb, 51, and Paul Lamb, 53, along with Paul's son James Lamb, 27, assaulted Wayne Brown. On Saturday 11 January 2020, following a previous confrontation, an argument broke out between David Lamb and Wayne Brown. Lamb then called his brother and nephew, who arrived armed with two samurai swords and a knife.
They then proceeded to attack Wayne Brown, causing life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital, suffering a cardiac arrest in the ambulance and requiring immediate surgery to contain blood loss from a lacerated lung. He also suffered several other wounds to his upper body.
All three offenders pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, and Paul and James Lamb also pleaded guilty to possessing bladed articles. On 27 November 2020, they were each sentenced to 6 years and 9 months' imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court.
Their sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. On 23 February 2021, in a joint hearing at the Court of Appeal, their sentences were each found to be unduly lenient and increased to 9 years' imprisonment.
After the joint hearing at the Court of Appeal the Solicitor General, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, said:
I was shocked and appalled by this attack which left a man fighting for his life. The decision by the Court of Appeal to increase these sentences today was the right one, and I hope it can bring some comfort to Wayne Brown.
