Thug who attacked a man with a knife jailed

A callous thug who viciously attacked a man with a knife in Northumberland has been jailed.

Stewart Bestford had already spent the last 14 months in custody on remand and has now been sentenced to six years and 10 months behind bars for the shocking attack on November 21, 2020.

The 44-year-old and his brother Steven approached the victim around 3pm at a premises on Regent Road in Blyth, and accused him of stealing his tools.

The brothers then attacked the victim – a male aged in his 20’s - with punches and kicks, pulling his jacket over his head before forcing him to the floor. 

Stewart Bestford then produced a box cutter knife and made several deep cuts to the man’s arms while he lay defenceless, causing severe injuries.

The victim managed to flee the area, and officers were quickly alerted to the assault via the ambulance service.

He required surgery and months of physio work for his injuries.

Stewart Bestford, of Epsom Drive, Ashington, was later arrested, charged and pleaded guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court in May 2023.

He will now serve six years and 10 months in prison following a sentencing hearing at the same court on Tuesday.

Steven Bestford, 40, of Haven Court, Blyth, also pleaded guilty to assault at the same court for his role in the attack.  He received a nine-month prison term suspended for 12 months.

Leading the investigation, Detective Constable Paul Bell, of Northumbria Police, said:

First and foremost, the victim in this case was subjected to a harrowing ordeal and I hope this sentence allows them to take the first steps forward to moving on with the rest of their life.

Stewart Bestford is clearly a dangerous individual, and I am pleased that he will now be spending a lengthy period behind bars.

Violence has no place whatsoever in our communities, and we will continue to do everything within our power to bring those responsible for these offences before the courts to face justice.