Newport thug jailed for spear and shears attacks on two men

A Newport man has been handed a 19-year extended sentence after bursting into two homes and launching vicious attacks with a spear and garden shears.

Paul Morrissey, 42, forced his way into properties on Moorland Park and Lliswerry Road on the morning of Saturday, June 7, armed with weapons and intent to cause serious harm.

First attack – Moorland Park

Prosecutor Amelia Pike told the court how Morrissey pushed his way into the first victim’s home whilst wielding a spear, demanding to know where someone called ‘Mousey’ was.

When the terrified victim said he didn’t know, Morrissey stabbed him in the neck. The assault continued as he wounded the man’s hand and sliced his head before the victim managed to escape to the kitchen and close the door.

As Morrissey left, he issued a chilling threat – warning he’d “f***ing come back” if the victim contacted police.

Second attack – Lliswerry Road

The defendant then headed to an address on Lliswerry Road, forcing his way inside before attacking another man with half a pair of garden shears.

Despite wearing a balaclava, the victim – who had known Morrissey “for a number of years” – recognised his voice.

Morrissey swung the weapon at his victim, who desperately tried to protect himself with a quilt. He stabbed the man “multiple times” to the arm and leg before fleeing with another threat: “Keep your f***ing mouth shut.”

Both victims were rushed to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment.

Arrest and trial

Morrissey, of Royal Oak Drive in Newport, was arrested on June 9.

The 42-year-old denied two offences each of wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and possession of an offensive weapon – but a jury found him guilty of all charges.

Impact on victims

In statements, the first victim revealed he “thought I was going to die” during the attack, whilst the second said he was “living in fear” following the ordeal.

Mitigation and sentencing

Defence barrister Julia Cox told the court there was “limited mitigation” available. She said Morrissey still denied committing the attacks but accepted the jury’s verdicts.

“He’s reflected that he’s wasted his life through his own offending behaviour,” she said, adding that he had previously sought support from the Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service.

Judge Eugene Egan described the attacks as “utterly disgraceful and brutal violence.”

“The two victims were entirely blameless,” he said. “Neither of them had done you a scintilla of harm.”

He sentenced Morrissey to a 19-year extended sentence – made up of 14 years custody and five years extended licence – and granted both victims life-long restraining orders.

DC Matthew Emberton, of Gwent Police, said: “We will not tolerate people who use weapons and a carry out such senseless acts of violence, and we welcome the sentence imposed on Morrissey.”