Man jailed for Sutton Benger assault
Dominic Lee then went on the run in Europe for nearly 6 years after the attack
A man who carried out a frenzied assault on an acquaintance in Sutton Benger almost six years ago before going on the run in Europe has finally been jailed for 15 years.
Dominic Lee, who was previously known as James Ward, aged 50, of Arthur Street, Crook, Durham, stood trial at Winchester Crown Court this week and was found guilty of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
Police were called to the village in the early hours of 22 June 2016 following a serious assault on a man in his 40s, who had been left in a critical condition.
The victim had been attacked with a cut throat razor and a knife, causing significant injuries to his throat, face, head and arms.
Lee was quickly identified as a key suspect in the case, but despite extensive attempts to locate him, he managed to leave the country and spent five-and-a-half years on the run in Europe.
He was eventually arrested in November 2021 when he returned to the UK to seek medical treatment.
Following his conviction this week, yesterday (25/04) Lee was sentenced to 15 years in jail.
Detective Sergeant Sam Hopkinson, from Central CID, said: “This was a brutal and horrific attack on a defenceless man, which left him with significant and long-lasting injuries.
“His victim impact statement, which was read out in court during the trial, outlined how this incident has left him with both physical and mental scars, which he may never recover from.
“Lee believed that he could run away from justice, spending five-and-a-half years evading the police and the courts, so it is incredibly satisfying to see him finally convicted and sentenced for this crime.”