[A] MAN has been sentenced for wounding an unwanted visitor to his Workington home who returned several months later and tried to kill him.
Scott Bentley, 44, appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (MON) and admitted unlawfully wounding former friend James Hawman on February 24 last year. Hawman, who was drunk and forced entry to the flat, was left bleeding “profusely” as Bentley took a blade from the kitchen amid a row between the men and knifed his hand.
But Hawman returned to Bentley’s home, again under the influence, in late September. Bentley’s barrister Richard Archer said: “He (Hawman) attempted to murder him, stabbing him 14 times and telling police who attended at the scene that it was his intention to kill Mr Bentley.”
Bentley, stabbed to the head and hand, had an eight-month prison term suspended for 12 months today for his earlier crime. Judge James Adkin took an “exceptional” course having concluded Bentley had suffered “inestimable psychological harm as well as physical injury” during Hawman’s subsequent revenge attack.
Bentley, of Newlands Gardens, Workington, must also complete a group work course, a three-month night-time curfew and rehabilitation.
Hawman, previously of Peter Street, Workington, admitted a charge of attempted murder at Preston Crown Court earlier this year. The 37-year-old is remanded in custody and due to be sentenced in May.
