by Keith Hunt

Two drunken thugs have been jailed for a total of almost 11 years for a vicious street stabbing that left a man with life threatening injuries.

Warren Bennett and Richard Mumford both knifed Lee Ward five times, penetrating his left lung and his liver.

Bennett, 29, was jailed for six years three months and 28-year-old Mumford for four years seven months. They admitted wounding with intent.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Ward had been in a relationship with Charlotte Smith and it was on and off for some time.

Helen Fleck, prosecuting, said Miss Smith went out on her birthday on December 18 last year with a woman friend and Bennett and Mumford.

They went to a pub where Mr Ward was and there was friction. Mr Ward and friends were asked to leave. There was a scuffle in the street.

The two women went to Mumford and Bennett’s home in Upper Luton Road, Chatham, in the early hours and Mr Ward turned up there.

Miss Fleck said there was shouting and Mr Ward told Miss Smith he was sorry and he wanted to talk.

Mumford and Bennett armed themselves with two knives and a butcher’s sharpening tool and went out into the street.

When Mr Ward saw the weapons he tried to get away.

“Both men stabbed him,” said the prosecutor. “It is not possible to say which knife was wielded by whom and who caused which injury.

“The attack came to an end when Mr Ward managed to hide under a van.

"The girls left the house and tended to him. An ambulance was called.”

Miss Fleck said the most serious injury was to the lung.

Bennett also suffered a wound, but it was not clear if it was self-inflicted or caused by Mumford.

Mr Ward had both physical scars and psychological damage. He suffered nightmares and was paranoid.

Recorder Edward Murray said it was a sustained attack and the victim was unarmed.

“It was a fairly ferocious attack and he suffered life threatening injuries,” he said. “It has affected all areas of his life, his ability to earn and enjoy every day life.”

The judge said each of them was equally culpable.

He accepted there was significant provocation, as Mr Ward went to their home in the early hours.

“Many would feel a sense of panic and fear,” he added.