Tony Colling Edwards, 53, from Torpoint, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after shooting his sister's partner's son in the face with a crossbow, attempting to stab him with a kitchen knife, and smashing a mug over his head. The attack stemmed from resentment over the family home being left to his sister.
Details of the attack
On 29 April, Edwards returned home from work. After being asked by the victim how his shift had gone, he went upstairs and came back down with a loaded crossbow. He aimed it at the victim and fired point-blank into his face. The bolt pierced the victim's cheek. The victim managed to pull the bolt out, but then had to defend himself as Edwards lunged at him with a large kitchen knife.
A struggle ensued in the garden. While the victim called his mother, Edwards grabbed a mug and smashed it over his head. Edwards was eventually disarmed, and Devon and Cornwall Police were called.
Victim impact
The victim, who escaped without lasting injuries, said the attack left him constantly on edge. He now keeps all doors and windows locked. He said he genuinely believed Edwards intended to kill him, adding that had the bolt struck his neck or had Edwards not been stopped, he would not be alive today. "Thinking of what could have happened is just crazy," he said.
Court proceedings
Edwards admitted guilt to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. During sentencing at Truro Crown Court on 3 July, the court heard that Edwards had previously been a man of good character but becomes 'nasty' when intoxicated. Defence counsel Sophie Johns emphasised his immediate acceptance of responsibility and profound remorse. She explained Edwards had been mourning his mother's death and navigating a romantic split, with alcohol triggering poor decision-making. She noted, "He never had counselling. His mental health has suffered as a result of hiding his sexuality from others. But since being in custody he has stopped his drinking and has stopped smoking."
His Honour Recorder Christopher Quinlan KC noted Edwards resented his mother for leaving the family property to his sister. He said alcohol caused Edwards to 'flip' after drinking several pints of cider and shots of vodka. Recorder Quinlan KC stated Edwards had acknowledged wanting to cause his victim pain. He handed down a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence and a 10-year restraining order, taking into account Edwards' previous good character, genuine remorse, mental health issues, and long-term alcohol use.
