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Boss was crippled in machete frenzy

1/12/2002

WORKER Royd Ullah who launched a horrific machete attack on his ex boss has been jailed for 12 years.

Preston Crown Court was told that family man Andrew Holt, aged 37 was left lying in a pool of blood but he somehow managed to call emergency services telling them of his injuries and who attacked him. Only his metal watch-strap prevented his left hand being cut off.

Mr Holt, a father of three is now disabled and may lose his left foot as a result of the attack that still haunts him.

Ullah, aged 28 of Whalley Range Road, Accrington, pleaded guilty to wounding Mr Holt with intent on 15 May this year.

Anthony Cross, prosecuting told the court Ullah was employed at What More UK at Huncoat in January 2000 as a production worker. He was frequently late and was given three official warnings about his conduct. Other complaints were made about him and a decision was made to make him redundant on 14 April.

Mr Cross said Ullah did not take kindly to the decision and had told another employee he would "get the bastard" - a reference to Mr Holt. Mr Cross added: "This was no idle threat because in the weeks that followed the grudge must have worked away at him and it seems he was determined to have his revenge."

On 15 May Mr Holt arrived at work at 7.45am and went to check if any faxes had arrived overnight. Lying in wait was Ullah who had a 37cm long machete, which was seven centimetres at its widest points. It was heavy and extremely sharp and appeared to be new.

Mr Cross said: "It could only have been selected with the intention of inflicting terrible injuries to the human body."

Mr Holt became aware of someone running at him with a weapon above his head. He raised his left arm and the weapon rained down on him causing severe pain. He then realised it was a machete.

Mr Holt said in a statement: "I knew he wanted to seriously hurt me. I could see it in his eyes. I remember thinking nothing was going to stop him."

Mr Holt told police: "He continued chopping down on my left arm. At some stage it became useless, flopping down by my side." He then described how he used his left leg in a bid to protect himself. He said: "There was thick red blood like tar. It was just pouring out of me. I've never seen as much blood in my life. I was convinced I was going to die."

Mr Cross said Mr Holt, who was lying in a pool of his own blood attempted to make a coherent call to the emergency services. He was not sure if he would live or die.

Ullah was arrested 45 minutes later and when charged said he had not intended to kill Mr Holt. Mr Holt was taken to a hospital in Blackburn and then to the Royal Preston Hospital with severe and life threatening injuries.

Mr Cross said before the attack Mr Holt was fit and active, industrious and successful with three children. He was severely disabled and had severe pain which only morphine could relieve. He may lose part of his leg due to damage to the sciatic nerve and was reclusive and finding it difficult to come to terms with his life.

Defending Mr Mark Stuart said Ullah had no previous convictions for violence. He had a difficult childhood and from his twenties he had been determined to make a decent and honest life. Ullah accepted he had completely lost his temper when in an upset and confused state.

Mr Stuart said: "It was appalling behaviour that cannot for one moment be justified."

Recorder at Preston, Judge Peter Openshaw QC told Ullah: "You lay in wait for Mr Holt determine to revenge yourself for a dismissal which seems to have been entirely justified. You armed yourself with a fearsome weapon. You struck Mr Holt many forceful blows, causing the most serious injuries. He and his family will be reminded of this onslaught on him for the rest of their lives."

Mr Holt declined to talk about the attack after the hearing.