PAUL BENNETT SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACK IN SACRISTON

Paul Bennett, a 41-year-old man from Sacriston, has been handed a ten-year prison sentence following a violent and alcohol-fueled assault on his former partner. The incident took place late at night in her home, where Bennett launched a terrifying attack that left the victim with multiple stab wounds.

Details of the case reveal that Bennett and the woman had been in a relationship spanning from around 2003 until October of the previous year. On February 25, the court heard, Bennett, who was intoxicated at the time, repeatedly contacted her through texts and phone calls. Fearing his persistent harassment, she decided to meet a friend at a local pub in an attempt to avoid him.

However, upon returning to her residence in Sacriston, she was abruptly awakened by knocking at her door. To her shock, Bennett was standing outside. Without warning, he lunged at her and struck her in the stomach, causing a single stab wound. The assault escalated as Bennett ascended the stairs, threatening to kill her, before returning to the kitchen area. There, he made threatening jabbing motions with a knife while straddling her, creating a highly dangerous situation.

Despite her fear, the victim managed to escape the house and sought refuge at a neighbor’s residence. During the attack, she sustained another injury—a knife wound located below her right breast. She was subsequently taken to hospital, where she underwent surgery to treat a 2cm incision to her abdomen and a superficial cut to her chest.

Throughout the trial, Bennett denied intentionally wounding her, but the court found him guilty based on the evidence presented. The judge sentenced him to ten years in prison, emphasizing the severity of his actions. Additionally, a restraining order was issued, effectively prohibiting Bennett from making any contact with the woman indefinitely, in an effort to protect her from further harm.