FROM A ‘BEST FRIEND’ TO A BRUTE...
Sunderland man jailed for 16 years after leaving his victim for dead following ‘shocking and sickening’ attack
An attempted murderer has been jailed for 16 years for a "shocking and sickening" attack where he left his friend for dead.
Danny Stothard went to Robert Tullick's home for a drink on January 29 last year so they could" clear the air" and "let bygones be bygones" after a falling out the previous week.
But Newcastle Crown Court heard during the seemingly friendly visit ,29- year-old S tot hard launched a ferocious and frenzied attack, that spilled out onto the street and left Mr Tullick on a ventilator with life threatening injuries.
The court heard Mr Tullick's injuries had a "catastrophic" affect on him and he will "never be the same person again".
Judge Robert Adams told Stothard his attack involved a "shocking and sickening level of sustained violence in a public place, involving kicking, punching and stamping".
Judge Adams added: "You appear to have left Mr Tullick for dead, making no effort at all to help your friend."
The judge said he was satisfied the attack was not premeditated but a "spontaneous attempt to kill".
Judge Adams told S tot hard: "Currently, I consider you area dangerous individual."
Stothard, of Primrose Street, Sunderland, was given a further three-year extended licence period on top of the 16-year jail term.
He had denied attempted murder during a trial but was found guilty by a jury last year.
Prosecutor Nick Dry told the court the brutal violence started inside the house and continued outside, as school children walked by.
Mr Tu llicksuffe red 27 separate injuries, including 12 impacts to the head, which were consistent with stamping.
He was left with facial fractures and stamp marks from Stothard's shoes on his face and neck and was taken to hospital by air ambulance for lifesaving treatment.
He knew nothing of what had happened to him until he woke up four days later.
The court heard a passing neighbour saw Mr Tul lick lying injured and administered first aid until the emergency services arrived and he was taken to James Cook University Hospital by helicopter.
Mr Dry said: "He was found to have life threatening head injuries. Stamp marks from the sole of the defendant’ s training shoes were readily apparent on his face and neck."
He added: "It is the Crown’s case that he intended to kill Robert Tullick when he attacked him as he did, delivering that barrage of repeated and forceful punches, headbutts, kicks and stamps to his face, head, neck and body.
"Those blows struck as Mr Tu l lick lay defence less and unconscious, the defendant persisting in the attack when that would have been patently obvious to him ."
The court heard there was extensive damage inside Mr Tullick's home at Claxheugh Road, Sunderland, including a smashed TV and window along with the destruction of kitchen appliances.
Stothard claimed the troublehad started after Mr Tu l lick threw a mug at him during the visit and attacked him in the house.
He claimed he kicked and stamped on Mr Tullick to get away as he feared he may have a weapon but the jury rejected his explanation.
David Callan, defending, said: "It is a very tragic case. These were two best friends from boyhood."
Mr Call an said S tot hard has no previous convictions for violence.