Repeat Offender Gets 10 Years for Stabbing That Changed a Life
Dean Stewart, 25, launched a brutal knife attack on Ryan Covell in the early hours of June 15, 2020. During a heated argument, Stewart stabbed Ryan in the neck with fierce force, slashing his liver and delivering wounds from behind that left Ryan with life-changing injuries.
Career Criminal Behind Bars
Stewart was no stranger to crime. With 27 convictions for violence, robbery, and assault, he was already serving a suspended sentence when he struck. Newcastle Crown Court convicted him of wounding with intent, sentencing him to 7 years and 10 months on November 30, 2020.
Sentence Slammed as Too Soft, Jail Time Ramps Up
The Solicitor General wasn’t having it. Referring the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the initial punishment was slammed as far too mild. On January 17, 2021, Stewart’s jail time was ramped up to a hefty 10 years and 6 months behind bars.
“Stewart’s vicious actions have blighted a young man’s life. Ryan Covell has suffered life-changing injuries, and so I welcome the Court’s decision to increase Stewart’s sentence,” said the Solicitor General.
