Judge concedes Pudsey knife thug got 'free stab' due to limited sentencing powers
A judge criticised his sentencing powers while dealing a knife thug who “hunted down” and stabbed his victim, saying he is unable to extend the time he serves in prison.
Jordan Haynes has been recalled to prison until 2028 for previous offending.
As a result, Judge Andrew Stubbs KC told Haynes at Leeds Crown Court that he effectively got a “free stab” at a victim, suggesting whatever sentence he could pass, it would make little difference to his 2028 release.
The court heard that Haynes had been for lunch at the Wetherspoon pub in Pudsey on October 15 last year.
But after leaving and getting into his aunty’s car, they then saw Haynes’ ex partner and her brother on Manor House Street.
Haynes shouted at them, before the car stopped and he got out. The brother ran when he saw Haynes had a knife on him.
Haynes chased him down an alleyway and tripped him up. He then produced the knife and stabbed him to the upper arm.
Haynes then got back into the car and drove off, prosecutor Andrew Semple told the court.
The victim was taken to Leeds General Infirmary. In an impact statement read to the court, it was heard that the victim was left with a scar to his arm and still suffers “shooting pains”.
Later arrested, 28-year-old Haynes accepted chasing the man down.
Haynes, of Elm Bank, Cleckheaton, has previous convictions for violence and knives.
He appeared in court over a video link from HMP Doncaster, having already pleaded guilty to Section 20 GBH without intent and possession of a bladed article.
Mitigating, Craig Sutcliffe said Haynes will not be released until July 2028 but no further defence points were raised after Judge Stubbs conceded that any sentence he passes would have to run concurrently.
Judge Stubbs told Mr Sutcliffe: “It’s a free stab. I can’t say I’m delighted by the prospect.
“Having hunted the victim down, he gets a free stab. There’s nothing I can do.”
He gave Haynes a two-year sentence and told him: “You were out on licence, you armed yourself with a knife.
“You planned to confront her or someone associated to her. You chased him and had absolutely no delay in taking out the knife and stabbing him.”