Sixty-year-old who stabbed two drug addicts in car park jailed for 12 years

Ashley Lloyd, 30, was also jailed for his role in the attack. Photo: Police (Image: Archant)

Matthew Xavier used a screwdriver and a pair of scissors to attack the two men as they waited to buy crack cocaine on September 17, 2016.

Norwich Crown Court heard on Friday how the victims were waiting in the car park of Jollyes pet food store on Yaxham Road at the time.

Xavier, of The Maltings, Dereham, was described as a 'dangerous' and 'committed' drug dealer by judge Andrew Shaw.

He has 55 previous convictions for 105 offences, dating back to the 1970s.

Also being sentenced for his role in the attack was Ashley Lloyd, 30, of no fixed address.

Prosecutor Chris Youell said the two victims were sitting in a car when they were set upon.

He said the pair knew Xavier was not 'well disposed' towards them because they owed him around £100 to £200.

'They [the victims] had warned police that Mr Xavier may harm them, but they did not want to make a complaint,' Mr Youell added.

The court heard how the two men arranged to buy drugs over the phone and travelled to the car park in the early hours of September 17.

Mr Youell said Xavier was party to the conversation and, along with Lloyd, waited for them to arrive.

While Lloyd approached their vehicle to distract them, Mr Youell said Xavier launched the attack.

'He swings open the passenger door of the vehicle and starts attacking them with a screwdriver and scissors,' he said.

One victim managed to run from the car and was stabbed in the lower back by Xavier, while the other was dragged into a nearby alleyway.

'He [the other victim] pleaded with Mr Xavier not to stab him,' Mr Youell said.

'He also ended up being stabbed in the back.'

The court heard how Lloyd punched the victim in the alleyway while he was on the floor.

Both victims were treated in hospital, but did not sustain any life-threatening injuries.

Xavier was later arrested in London. He was due to stand trial with Lloyd, but pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice between September 23, 2016 and January 31, 2017.

The court heard how he had attempted to use a prison phone to get his friends and family to intimidate witnesses in the case.

Mr Youell said: 'These calls were recorded and there is a large sign warning users that the calls are recorded, but it appears Mr Xavier assumed his were not.'

James Bieda, for Xavier, said he had struggled with drug addiction since his early 20s, but had abstained from drug use since being in custody.

Meanwhile, John Morgans, for Lloyd, said his client was vulnerable and a former drug addict who was sectioned a year prior to attack.

Judge Shaw jailed Xavier, who appeared in court via video link, for 12 years, with an additional four-year extension on licence.

He said: 'You are a committed drug user and you enforce your debts with violence.

'In my judgement you are dangerous and there is a significant risk to members of the public.'

Judge Shaw sentenced Lloyd to three years and nine months in prison.