MICHAEL ORTON'S TRAGIC RAMPAGE IN BINSTEAD: DOG KILLING AND BRUTAL ATTACK ON WIFE LEAVES COMMUNITY SHOCKED

In a harrowing incident that has left the community of Binstead in shock, Michael Lee Orton, born around 1963 and residing at 8 Newnham Road, Binstead, Ryde PO33 3TD, was involved in a violent outburst that resulted in the death of his family dog and serious injuries to his wife. The events unfolded on the evening of June 20, 2022, in what was described as a domestic meltdown that spiraled out of control.

According to reports, Orton, who is known by his first name Lee, viciously attacked his pet dog, an Akita named Kora. Using a craft knife, he slashed the animal's neck, inflicting fatal injuries that led to Kora's death from blood loss. Witnesses and emergency responders later described the scene as tragic and distressing. Despite efforts to save her, Kora succumbed approximately 45 minutes after being stabbed, even as police and veterinary teams attempted to provide emergency care, including dressing her neck wound and preparing her for surgery.

During the same violent episode, Orton turned his aggression towards his wife, Helen Orton. She sustained multiple knife wounds, including a large slash across her throat, a deep cut into her jaw that was described as extending into subcutaneous fat, along with several less severe injuries to her head and face. She also suffered bruising to her back. Witnesses reported that during the attack, Orton made a chilling remark, asking her, “why don’t you die.”

Following the assault, Helen Orton managed to escape the scene, fleeing the property covered in blood. She flagged down a passing Morrisons van, which led to emergency services being called. Paramedics arrived promptly and found Orton with a severe neck wound, having sliced an artery, which caused catastrophic blood loss. He was rushed to hospital, where he required a blood transfusion. It was later revealed that Orton had suffered a right-sided stroke, which resulted in a loss of mental capacity, rendering him too unwell to stand trial.

Despite the severity of the incident, Helen Orton has publicly expressed her support for her husband, visiting him regularly in hospital and withdrawing her initial police statement. The case was brought before Salisbury Crown Court in April 2023, where a three-day fact-finding hearing concluded with a unanimous jury verdict. They found that Michael Orton had committed attempted murder and caused unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Judge Timothy Mousley sentenced Orton to a two-year community supervision order, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing impact on the victims and the community of Binstead. The incident has sparked widespread concern and discussions about domestic violence and animal cruelty within the local area.