An intoxicated man stabbed his friend in the neck and left him with a collapsed lung after being accused of stealing his vape. Robert Lloyd, 46, attacked Damien Morris outside his home in Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil, minutes after the two had shared cans of Strongbow and chatted. Lloyd became angry after Mr Morris asked if he had taken his vape and returned to his home armed with a knife.
Attack described as a 'complete frenzy'
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday heard the defendant and Mr Morris were friends and Lloyd had previously stayed at his home. On August 16 last year, Lloyd was walking past Mr Morris' address when the victim saw him and gestured to him. They spent the next 40 minutes on the doorstep chatting and drinking cans of Strongbow before Lloyd left and returned to his home.
Prosecutor Bethan Evans said Mr Morris realised the vape he had placed on top of a wheelie bin was missing and walked to the defendant's home nearby to ask if he had taken it, which Lloyd denied. An hour later, Mr Morris heard a knock at his door and saw the defendant outside.
When the door was opened, Lloyd "launched himself" upon the victim, who saw a knife with a three-inch blade in the attacker's hand. The defendant stabbed Mr Morris in the neck, causing sharp pain and dizziness. He was pushed to the floor by Lloyd, who stood over him and held him down as he continued to stab him to the abdomen and collarbone in an attack described as a "complete frenzy".
Victim's statement and injuries
Ms Evans said the defendant shouted that he was going to "kill" Mr Morris, who could see his own blood squirting out of his neck and up the walls. The victim was able to kick Lloyd away before escaping back into his own house. Mr Morris suffered two stab wounds to the right of his neck, a stab wound to his abdomen, and multiple slash wounds to his chest. There were multiple wounds and grazes to the side of the chest, a penetrating wound to the abdomen, and a puncture to the right lung which caused a subtle collapse.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Ms Evans, Mr Morris said: "Since [the defendant] assaulted and stabbed me I have not been the same person. I was a confident and outgoing person. I don't drive but was happy walking places and using public transport to get around. All that has stopped since this happened. My anxiety has gone through the roof and I'm now on medication."
"The physical injuries have healed, the collapsed lung and puncture wounds, though scars remain. I am concerned about my mental health. I have trouble sleeping and trying to relax. I am seeking help for this going forward – I only hope things get better. I genuinely believe had he not done what he did to me I would be in a better and healthier position."
"I had to move out of the Aberfan area and spent a year in Weston-super-Mare but moved back to Merthyr Tydfil to be closer to friends and family. In the past nine months I believe he has used false social media accounts to try and get hold of me. I was also jumped and assaulted, which I believe took place because I took Robert to court."
Additional charges and sentencing
Lloyd was also dealt with for an attempted robbery of Openreach engineer Adam Dullea on May 28 last year after approaching him in Walters Terrace and demanding money. The defendant suggested they attend a nearby shop and used a card to withdraw money to give to him. He then produced a screwdriver, which put the victim in fear as he was alone and kneeling while carrying out a job. After telling Lloyd he did not have any cash or cards, the defendant slashed the tyres of his Openreach van with a knife concealed in his clothes.
Lloyd, of Railway Close, Aberfan, later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and criminal damage and was convicted of attempted robbery and possession of a knife following a trial. The court heard he is of previous good character except for two cautions.
In mitigation, Harriet Ealden said her client's misuse of alcohol has played a big part in his life, having begun drinking at the age of 14. The defendant was also said to have significant mental health issues, including anxiety and suicidal ideation, with the feeling his life was "falling apart". Since his remand in prison, he has become abstinent from alcohol and intends to remain so upon his release.
Judge David Wynn Morgan sentenced Lloyd to a total of 78 months imprisonment and made him subject to a restraining order for six years.
