News / Crime
Mother ‘feels pity’ for son’s Boxing Day attackers
The mother of a man who was brutally stabbed after going for a meal with friends on Boxing Day 2023 has said she feels sorry and pity for his attackers, as four men have been handed sentences totalling 75 years.
Reuben Fay, 20, of Lockleaze; Tayshon Graham, 21, of Easton; and Cain Henderson, 25, of Eastville were all sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment on Monday at Bristol Crown Court.
Ajay Edwards, 22, of Slough, had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Left to right: Reuben Fay, Cain Henderson, Ajay Edwards and Tayshon Graham – photos: Avon & Somerset Police
The victim of the attack, 24-year-old Mitchell from Fishponds, had gone for a meal with friends at Lona on Gloucester Road on December 26 2023.
Graham, Fay and Edwards briefly entered the restaurant keeping their hoods up and about 40 minutes later, they returned to Gloucester Road with Henderson, and chased Mitchell and his friends as they were leaving the restaurant.
After tripping and falling on Bishop Road in Bishopston, Mitchell was stabbed more than half dozen times, suffering a brain injury and multiple significant wounds to his face, neck, shoulder, arm, chest and buttock.
Mitchell survived but has been left with long-term and life changing injuries.
In a statement, Mitchell’s mother said he will not work and “what he did have planned he will never be able to do”.
Speaking directly to her son’s attackers, she said: “You caused this and took what goals he had away from him. You have taken things away from him more than you will ever know…
“You have no value of life, not even your own. You threw that away that night, not once did you think about your own mother or family in your twisted actions.
“I feel sorry for you and I pity you…
“My justice comes from you getting sentenced, but your sentence will never be long enough for what you have done.
“Ours is for life but we’re strong as a family unit and you will never win because you are weak… You are all cowards that hide your faces… You probably can’t even tell me why you did it.”
Avon & Somerset Police detective inspector, Peter Walker, said: “This was a horrific attack on a young man on Boxing Day who was simply out with friends having a meal in a local restaurant.
“As a consequence, he and his family are living with the long-term impact of the injuries he sustained.
“He owes his life to the selfless efforts of members of the public who came to his aid, the emergency services at the scene and the medical professionals at hospital.
“Mitchell and his family have shown remarkable strength and unity.
“Nothing can undo the harm done but they can now face the future together knowing these men are behind bars. We wish them all the best.
“The three young men convicted of attempting to murder him, and a fourth who admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, have now ruined their own lives by their actions.
“They thought that covering their faces meant they wouldn’t be brought to justice. They were wrong.
“We, as the police, will continue to act robustly to target and tackle those who choose to carry knives as well as those who use them to cause such terrible and devastating harm.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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