Two teenagers have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Robert Wilson, a 53-year-old factory supervisor who was stabbed more than 100 times with a samurai sword in Huddersfield. Kiyran Earnshaw, 18, and Luke Gaukroger, 16, were handed minimum terms of 22 years and 16 years and eight months respectively at Leeds Crown Court.
The court heard that Wilson was investigating youths hanging around outside the Thornton and Ross pharmaceutical plant on the night of 13 January when he was attacked. CCTV footage showed Earnshaw producing a 50cm blue sword from his tracksuit bottoms and striking Wilson repeatedly. Gaukroger, then 15, shouted, 'Pass me the shank,' and the pair took turns wielding the weapon.
Audio from Wilson's phone captured his pleas for the attack to stop, as well as Gaukroger shouting, 'Get his head, I want to cut his head.' The attackers paused to rifle through Wilson's pockets before resuming, with both holding the sword and attempting to saw off his head. Police arrived to find one of the teenagers using the sword in a sawing motion to the neck.
Wilson's colleague John Badejo was seriously injured when he tried to intervene. Both defendants admitted murder, and Earnshaw also admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The judge noted their previous violent offences, including Earnshaw stabbing a fellow student at school in 2016.
In a victim impact statement, Wilson's wife Elaine said his death was 'completely incomprehensible' and expressed shock at receiving a letter from one of the defendants saying it was the 'worst night of my life'. She told the court: 'I want you to know you have taken the life of a much respected, admired and good man.'
