Thug Danny Ford jailed for slashing throat of Lenny Ianson on 30th birthday in Snodland
by Keith Hunt
A drunk thug whose 30th birthday celebrations ended with him
slashing a man across the throat with a broken wine glass has been
jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Labourer Lenny Ianson suffered wounds to his throat with the
loss of about two pints of blood in the attack by Danny Ford.
Both men had earlier been to Ham Hill Working Men's Club in
Snodland. Ford was with family and friends and Mr Ianson was there
separately with his girlfriend.
Allister Walker, prosecuting, said Ford left before
midnight on September 8 last year and continued celebrations at his
home in Saltings Road (pictured right).
Mr Ianson went to the house because one of the guests, Joseph
King, had his mobile phone.
After he arrived he got into a fight with one of Ford's friends.
Ford then confronted him and accused him of causing trouble, Mr
Walker told Maidstone Crown Court.
"He had a goblet wine glass in his left hand," he said. "He was
angry, threatening and aggressive.
"Danny Ford smashed the wine glass prior to using the jagged
bowl left to stab Mr Ianson in the neck. He ran off pursued by the
defendant, only to be hauled back and punched in the face.
"Mr Ianson was holding his throat to stem the flow of the blood
and was unable to protect himself."
"The injuries have had a significant and continuing effect..." – Mr Recorder Jeremy Johnson QC
Paramedics arrived at about 3am and saw there was a great deal
of blood around Mr Ianson. His heart rate was abnormally high.
He was taken to Pembury Hospital and treated for a 5cm deep
wound to his throat that almost reached his vertebrae. The glass
severed neck muscles.
Another wound was 3cm deep to the right side of the neck. He had
multiple superficial cuts.
Mr Walker said Ford's left hand was badly cut and he was also
losing blood. He claimed he was acting in self-defence when he
caused the injuries.
A jury of eight women and four men convicted him of inflicting
grievous bodily harm and acquitted him of causing grievous bodily
harm with intent. Ford denied both charges.
The victim told in a statement how his work as a labourer had
been affected by damage to his shoulder. He also suffered
nightmares.
"It was a nasty injury to in a vulnerable area of the body,"
said the prosecutor.
Danny Ford glassed Lenny
Ianson in Saltings Road, Snodland
Charlotte Newell, defending, said Ford's family would suffer as
a result of him being jailed.
"There is scope for a suspended sentence," she said. "He could
continue with his employment and there would be a prospect of
compensation."
Mr Recorder Jeremy Johnson QC told Ford: "You and many others
had far too much to drink. I accept initially your role may have
been one of peacemaker and the complainant may well have been
acting aggressively towards others and you.
"But there was a confrontation between you and you struck him
with a wine glass causing very serious injuries to the neck and
shoulder.
"The injuries have had a significant and continuing effect. Mr
Ianson has suffered considerable psychological consequences. He is
scarred on the neck, which is a constant reminder of what
happened."
15/02/13
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