Violent duo who attacked man with garden tools jailed for combined total of 20 years
A Cornwall duo who attacked a man with garden tools have been jailed for a combined total of 20 years after leaving the victim with a fractured skull, broken leg and multiple cuts.
Stefan Ledden, 32, and George White, 26, used a sledgehammer, a screwdriver and a bladed weapon to inflict serious injuries on a man who was visiting his friend’s house in Camborne on 10 September 2024.
Ledden and White, pictured left and right respectively, both of no fixed abode, were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a jury following a trial. They were each sentenced to ten years in prison and both will also serve three years on extended licence when they are released.
Detective Constable Jamie Ellingham, who led the investigation, said: “This was an unprovoked and horrific attack during daylight hours in a private garden. It’s clear that these men had no regard for their actions or the impact that this would have on the victim. I welcome this verdict and thank those who assisted with the investigation”
The court heard that on the day of the attack, Ledden and White entered an address in Camborne at around 3.30pm, where the victim had been visiting his friend at the time.
Shortly after the offenders arrived, the victim’s friend told him to ‘run’, but he was blocked from doing so and told to ‘get on the ground’ by Ledden and White.
They then began their brutal attack in the garden. The victim was hit multiple times in his head and body with a bladed weapon and a sledgehammer. A screwdriver was used to pierce his leg.
He also received several defence injuries after attempting to protect himself.
Following their attack, Ledden and White fled on bicycles.
Paramedics were called to the address to give emergency treatment to the victim and alerted police to the suspected assault.
Ledden was arrested after being spotted in a vehicle later that evening, He attempted to make off on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers.
Extensive CCTV enquiries were carried out to locate White and he was arrested two days later.
Both men were remanded in police custody until their sentencing.
Police Inspector Lou Brown, who heads up the neighbourhood police team in Camborne, said: “I hope this demonstrates the serious approach we take to identify, arrest and charge offenders who cause significant harm in our communities.”
Ledden and White stood trial at Truro Crown Court in January. They were each sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on 18 June.
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version