MAN WHO ATTACKED MOTHER IN UNCONTROLLABLE RAGE SENTENCED TO 7.5 YEARS
Joshua Sutcliffe, aged 32, committed a violent assault on his mother, Justine Sutcliffe, in their family home in St Annes.According to court reports, he sliced at her neck and then kicked her while she was unconscious on the ground during an 'uncontrolled rage' on October 30, 2021.
Witnesses described seeing Sutcliffe stamp on his mother's head 'two or three times' before stepping back and 'jumping fully' on her.
He also attempted to slit her throat with a knife while shouting, "I'll f*****g murder you." Mrs.
Sutcliffe suffered cuts to her neck, chin, and ear, along with head bruising.
Emergency services found her in a pool of blood, with Sutcliffe holding a cloth to her wounds.
He was arrested and admitted to the police, claiming, "She came at me with a knife and I went crazy." Sutcliffe pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his mother and also to harming a witness who tried to intervene, injuring his arm.
He was diagnosed as a dangerous offender with a troubled background and trauma-related issues, which predispose him to psychosis.
In 2018, he served 56 months in prison for arson.
The court sentenced him to seven and a half years in custody, with an additional four and a half years on extended license to protect the public.
His defense argued that the attack was 'entirely disproportionate, and frankly ferocious,' with the judge noting Sutcliffe's recklessness when intoxicated and poor mental health management.
Mrs.
Sutcliffe expressed forgiveness in a letter to the court and has made a full recovery from her injuries.
