A 33 year old man from Mansfield has been handed an extended jail sentence for an unprovoked knife attack on a man waiting for a taxi in Sutton. Shaun Hill, of Bamford Drive in Mansfield, carried out an unprovoked attack on a bystander who was waiting for a taxi in Forest Street, Sutton in Ashfield at 5.20 pm on 6 December 2023. He selected the victim at random and the reason for the attack is still not known.
Hill was standing outside a pub when he spotted another man waiting for a taxi nearby and decided to attack him, Nottinghamshire Police said. He walked towards where the victim was standing and, after waiting for another person to walk past, grabbed the victim from behind before slashing his face multiple times with a knife.
He then walked away, still smoking his cigarette, and headed back into the pub to resume drinking his pint. Police arrived on the scene minutes later, Hill tried to leave the pub, pint in hand, but was arrested by officers. When he was searched by police, they found the knife used in the attack.
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As a result of the attack, the victim suffered a deep gash from the corner of his mouth to his ear as well as another wound to his jaw.
Hill pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife in public. On Monday (24 June) he was handed a nine year extended prison sentence by a judge at Nottingham Crown Court. An extended sentence means that after his release from prison, Hill will be subject to a licence conditions to protect members of the public from serious harm.
“This was a horrendous attack, that was seemingly committed completely at random by Hill”, DC Rebecca Pottage said. “The way in which he casually walked up to and away from his victim after doing what he did was truly unsettling to see.
“His decision to target his unsuspecting victim in this appalling manner left the man with devastating injuries and scars to his face that he’ll have to carry forever. This incident sadly shows the life-altering impact those who decide to carry a knife can cause to others, as well as themselves.
“We still don’t know exactly why Hill chose to do what he did that evening, but what is clear is that he is a dangerous man who belongs behind bars. Bearing this in mind, we’re pleased to see Hill has now received a lengthy prison sentence, which we hope will provide some form of comfort to his victim.”
