Combined sentences of 160 years handed down for gang members who committed attempted murder, successfully prosecuted by Stephen Grattage and Charlotte Noddings
February 4, 2025
Stephen Grattage and Charlotte Noddings have successfully prosecuted a multi-handed attempted murder trial heard at Leeds Crown Court over 3 weeks.
The four defendants were all members of a drug gang who, following an earlier assault on one of the defendants by a rival gang, decided to seek revenge. They gathered weapons and donned balaclavas before attending at a property in Grantley Street, Wakefield, with murderous intent. After forcing entry into the property, they found the three men, who were to be the victims of the attack, upstairs. Violence ensued and all three of the victims ended up going out of the first-floor windows. However, the attack did not stop. The defendants then went into the back garden, where two of the young men now lay. The defendants then continued to stab and hit them whilst they lay on the floor. The attack left one of the victims with life changing injuries, such that he is likely to always require 24-hour care.
The four defendants were all unanimously convicted of two counts of attempted murder in relation to two young men and one count of attempted Section 18 in relation to another man. Two of the defendants pleaded guilty to a further charge of affray during the trial. The other two defendants were unanimously convicted of the same.
On Friday, they were each sentenced to 35 years imprisonment with a further 5 years on extended license.
Stephen and Charlotte were instructed by Zaheed Hussain from the Crown Prosecution Service.
See below the following links to relevant media coverage:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceve8pz7r3ko
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/evil-prowling-broad-daylight-victim-30909797
