Ryan Love, 31, of Humber Place, Darlington, has been sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison after a brutal attack on his neighbours. On a day in September last year, Love, wearing a balaclava, armed himself with two knives and forced his way into a property where he doused a couple and their friend in petrol and threatened to set them on fire.
Attack details
Love slashed one victim across the face, hurled ornaments, a fridge, and a vacuum at them, and assaulted another victim with a metal bar. A woman in her 60s identified Love only after hearing his voice. During the attack, a victim managed to call 999, and police officers arrived to find Love charging towards them with a knife. He was detained at the scene.
Love was charged with aggravated burglary, assault causing actual bodily harm, and grievous bodily harm with intent. Initially pleading not guilty, he later changed his plea and was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on June 12.
Investigation and impact
DC Zoe Hollifield of Darlington CID, who led the investigation, said: 'Love carried out a brutal and unprovoked attack on the victims who have all been left physically and mentally scarred by his horrendous actions. I want to commend the victims for their courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings and hope the extended sentence can give them some comfort so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.'
