Caydon Sean, a drug dealer from South Shields, has been jailed for four years and nine months after attacking a man with a machete over a debt. The victim, who had previously bought narcotics from Sean, suffered three wounds to the head, arm, and wrist, and required hospital treatment.
Attack details
At around 8pm on December 4 last year, Sean attended an address in South Shields and immediately attacked the victim with a machete. The victim bled heavily and feared he would be killed during the assault, prosecutor Joe Hedworth told Newcastle Crown Court. After the attack, Sean fled but later handed himself in to police.
Defendant's background
Sean, 23, of Crofton Street, South Shields, had 11 previous convictions, including for having a bladed article, and was on a community order at the time for driving offences. He was found guilty by a jury of wounding with intent.
Judge Edward Bindloss noted that Sean attended the address pre-armed with a machete and used it immediately, striking more than once. The judge said the attack was related to a debt and involved premeditation. He added that Sean admitted to selling drugs for financial gain in a letter to the court, and that there was hostility towards the victim for at least two weeks before the incident.
Mitigation and sentence
In mitigation, Sean's barrister said he was acquitted of a second offence and that he has shown a determination to change, including being baptised in prison. Sean has been remanded for 216 days, which will count towards his sentence. Judge Bindloss imposed a ten-year restraining order.
