A 52-year-old man has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after stabbing another man in the neck following an argument at a village pub near Ripon.
Gary Holdsworth, of Melmerby, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, October 30, after being convicted of wounding with intent and possessing a knife in a public place.
The attack happened outside the George and Dragon Inn in Melmerby at around 11.41pm on Thursday, December 4, last year.
North Yorkshire Police said a verbal argument over payment escalated into a physical confrontation, which continued outside the pub.
During the altercation, Holdsworth stabbed a 46-year-old man in the neck.
The victim was taken to hospital, where he required surgery. Although his injuries were serious, they were found not to be life-threatening.
Holdsworth fled the scene but was arrested at his home shortly afterwards.
He denied both offences at a hearing in April but was found guilty by a jury on August 4.
He was remanded in custody until sentencing and has also been made subject to a restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim or his partner until further order.
In a victim personal statement, the injured man’s partner described the devastating impact of the attack on their family.
She said: “My boyfriend is a kind, loving, and caring man. On that day, he was stabbed in the neck and nearly lost his life.
“This was not just an attack – it was something that could have taken him away from all of us forever.
“Since that day, my life has completely changed.
“I live with fear, anxiety, and constant worry about what happened and what could have happened. The images and emotions stay with me, and it is something I cannot escape.
“This incident has deeply affected not just me, but our entire family. It has taken away our sense of safety, peace, and normal life.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Quinn, who led the investigation, welcomed the sentence.
She said: “The use of a knife to inflict such a serious injury is a deeply concerning act of violence with the potential to cause life-threatening harm and devastating consequences for victims and their families.
“My thoughts remain with the victim as he continues to deal with the physical and emotional impact of this incident.
“We recognise the lasting effects that offences of this nature have on individuals, families, and the wider community.”
She added that police remained committed to preventing knife crime and bringing offenders to justice.
A 41-year-old man who was also charged in connection with the incident was found not guilty of affray.
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