Knife Thug Locked Up for Brutal Northumberland Attack
A callous criminal has been slammed behind bars for a savage knife assault in Northumberland.
Stewart Bestford Sentenced to Nearly Seven Years
Stewart Bestford, 44, has been handed a hefty six-year-and-10-month prison sentence. He had already spent 14 months on remand before being locked up for the shocking attack on November 21, 2020.
Bestford and his brother Steven confronted a man in his 20s around 3pm on Regent Road, Blyth. They accused him of stealing tools.
Brutal Knife Attack Leaves Victim Fighting for Recovery
The brothers launched a vicious assault, punching and kicking the victim, pulling his jacket over his head, then forcing him to the floor.
Bestford then pulled out a box cutter and carved deep wounds into the man’s arms while he was helpless. The victim managed to escape and alerted the ambulance service.
He needed surgery and months of painful physiotherapy to recover from the severe injuries.
Justice Served – Brothers Face Different Fates
Bestford, from Epsom Drive in Ashington, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court in May 2023.
His brother Steven, 40, of Haven Court, Blyth, also admitted assault but earned a lighter sentence—a nine-month jail term suspended for 12 months.
Detective Constable Paul Bell of Northumbria Police said: “The victim was subjected to a harrowing ordeal. I hope this sentence helps them move forward. Stewart Bestford is clearly dangerous, and I’m glad he’s now serving a lengthy sentence. Violence has no place in our communities. We will continue to bring offenders to justice.”
