A notorious gang leader has been handed a staggering 27-year prison sentence for orchestrating a horrific machete attack described by a judge as a level of violence 'rarely seen'. Liam Byrne, 31, was the mastermind behind a brutal assault that left his victim with catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
The shocking incident unfolded in broad daylight on Holly Road in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on October 13th last year. The court heard how Byrne enlisted two accomplices, Declan Garrett and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, to carry out the vicious attack.
Chilling Premeditation and Extreme Violence
Preston Crown Court was told the assault was not a spontaneous act but a carefully planned mission. The victim was specifically targeted by the gang. In a scene of terrifying violence, the assailants used a machete to inflict devastating wounds on the man.
Judge Robert Altham presiding over the case did not mince his words. He condemned the 'chilling level of premeditation' and the 'extreme and gratuitous violence' employed during the attack. The severity of the sentence reflects the brutal and organised nature of the crime.
The Accomplices and Their Sentences
Byrne's accomplices also faced justice for their roles in the ambush. Declan Garrett, 26, was identified as the individual who wielded the machete. For his direct participation in the violence, he was sentenced to 18 years in a young offenders' institution.
The third member of the group, a 17-year-old youth, was handed an 11-year sentence. The court found that while he was involved, his role was lesser than that of Byrne and Garrett.
A Strong Message from Law Enforcement
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Vernon of Lancashire Police spoke about the impact of such organised violence on the community. She emphasised that the lengthy sentences should serve as a stark warning to others involved in gang-related and violent crime.
'This was a horrific attack which left the victim with life-changing injuries,' DCI Vernon stated. 'The sentences passed today reflect the seriousness of the offence and show that we will not tolerate this level of violence on the streets of Lancashire.'
All three offenders were convicted of section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article, marking a significant victory for the Lancashire Constabulary's efforts to combat organised crime.
