Man from Blackburn sentenced to 14 years for 'savage attack' (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Man from Blackburn sentenced to 14 years for 'savage attack'

3:56pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

A MAN who carried out what a judge called a ‘sustained’ and ‘savage’ attack on a female friend has been given a fourteen year extended sentence.

Steven Holt's punishment consists of a nine years jail sentence, with five years extended licence to follow when he is released.

Preston Crown Court heard that he threw his friend Kerry Hutchinson down some steps at flats on Eagle Street, Blackburn and then jumped on her, landing hard with his feet.

He went on to throw her down some concrete steps and jumped on her again as she lay in the street. After that she was effectively kicked and punched down the street.

But the incident did not end there. Holt went on to throw her into the path of one or more oncoming vehicle on Accrington Road.

As a result of what happened, in May last year, his victim feels on edge and cannot sleep at night.

Holt, 28, formerly of St Michael's Street, Blackburn had been convicted by a jury after trial of a charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm with intent.

The young woman was found crying and bleeding from the face. He was drunk and aggressive with police.

She suffered tenderness around her cheeks and eye sockets and blood in her nostrils.

Her lips were swollen, there was shoulder bruising, abrasions over her lower back and all four limbs.

His list of thirty five previous offences on his record, included five of unlawful wounding.

Miss Katherine Robinson, defending, said there was another side to him.

She said: "He has had a very difficult background.

“From childhood he has seen violence and been the victim of violence himself.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Claire Holbrook, Blackburn CID, said: “This was an unprovoked and sustained attack on someone that Holt was supposed to care for.

“It’s been a long time coming as this man has a history of committing serious assaults against the women in his life.

“My team have worked long and hard to ensure that he is removed from the streets of Blackburn and put into a prison cell.

“We are delighted with this result which will protect other women from serious injury at his hands. ”