Violent attackers sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison

Two men who left a man and his dog with life threatening injuries after stabbing and attacking them both with a hammer have been jailed for almost 20 years.

Ryan Gibson and Ciaran Lambert were sentenced to 11 and eight years in prison respectively, after being found guilty of aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm in connection to the violent attack in May 2019.

At around 5.45am, the victim and his dog were stabbed and hit with a hammer at the victim’s Flitwick home. 

Despite sustaining life threatening chest wounds, the injured victim was able to provide officers with the names of his attackers. He also mentioned he believed the attack related to a small debt. 

Several neighbours were alerted by the sound of glass smashing, followed by screams and shouts. They found the victim badly injured at the bottom of the stairs to his flat.

They went to his aid, noting the injured man was more concerned for the welfare of his dog, who had sustained two injuries, than his own condition.  Several neighbours were able to provide details of the car used by the attackers.

Later that morning, officers identified the car at a property in Farley Hill, Luton. Armed officers entered the property and arrested Gibson and Lambert. 

During a subsequent search of the property, a number of bags of cannabis were discovered as well as a balaclava, similar to one the victim said had been worn by one of his attackers. 

The victim and his dog meanwhile both received emergency treatment and were able to survive their injuries.

During a two-week trial in May, the jury heard one of the offenders filmed themselves callously bragging about the attack. They had also stolen items from the victim’s home. 

On Monday 8 August, at Luton Crown Court, Gibson, 31, of Farley Hill, Luton, was sentenced to 11 years for aggravated burglary, with an extended licence of three years on release. He will also serve a concurrent sentence of nine years for GBH with intent.

Lambert, 24, of Pleasant Place, Islington, was sentenced to eight years for aggravated burglary, to run concurrent with a six year sentence for GBH with intent. 

Following sentencing, DC Rebecca Crowley, who led the investigation, said: “The neighbours’ swift action in calling the ambulance ultimately saved the life of the victim and his dog.

“I am glad that two very violent men are now off the streets and they’re unable to hurt anyone else”.