Crime
Burwell pub knife terror assailant jailed for life
A man who stabbed a pair of brothers in the neck in an unprovoked attack and injured a third man has been jailed for life.
Brandishing a knife in each hand and wearing a hooded jacket and gloves, Jason Jones walked into The Fox pub in Burwell and launched a savage attack on the two men enjoying a quiet drink before seriously injuring a third man.
The victims, aged 66 and 68, were sat in a corner of the pub at about 7.20pm on 16 December when Jones walked over to them and stabbed each of them in the neck and shoulders with the knives he was armed with.
A third customer, a 33-year-old man, intervened by grabbing Jones from behind but was knocked to the ground. Jones stabbed the man to his jaw, hand, foot, and side of his chest as he defended himself with the use of a bar stool.
Jones then carried out a further attack on one of the brothers as they attempted to defend themselves, causing a further head injury and broken collar bone.
After the attack Jones walked to the nearby shop before returning home to Dalzells Lane where he was arrested at about 8pm.
CCTV was recording throughout the evening at the pub and showed Jones drinking at the bar between 5pm and 7.12pm.
Jones left, then returned nine minutes later, wearing different clothes, to carry out the attack.
Police recovered the shoes, a blood-spattered jacket and gloves matching the clothing, seen in the CCTV, in his home.
The victims suffered life threatening injuries with one being hospitalised for almost two months.
At Peterborough Crown Court on Monday, Jones, 39, was sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 24 years.
He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder.
Jones, who has multiple previous convictions for violent offences, was described by Judge Enright as ‘a high risk of serious harm to other people’.
He also described the third victim, who intervened, as having ‘bravery of a high order’ and said his actions ‘almost certainly prevented further harm’ and saving the brothers’ lives.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Joseph Fourie, said: “This was a horrendous and unprovoked attack on three members of the public going about their daily business during the festive period.
“Jones’ actions have had a significant impact on the victims and the wider community of Burwell. We hope that this sentence brings some closure to those that have been affected.”