Hull stab victim was told ‘you deserve to die’

A 20-year-old man faces a ‘substantial’ custodial sentence after stabbing someone and then telling them: ‘You deserve to die, you fat ****. Ha ha’.

Ashley Dunford, from Hull, East Yorkshire, admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm when he appeared at the city’s crown court yesterday.

The court heard a witness said Dunford had ‘suggested a desire to stab someone’ when he was ‘not drunk or ‘less drunk’. 

After he stabbed the man in Hull, another witness was said to have heard Dunford say: ‘I’m glad I stabbed you. You deserve to die, you fat ****. Ha ha.’

Tim Savage, prosecuting, did not give details of the incident but said the case has ‘some troubling features’.  

Judge David Tremberg told the court: ‘I think a pre-sentence report is essential.’

Steven Garth, defending Dunford, said his client knows he faces a substantial custodial sentence after the incident on April 23. 

He added: ‘But because of his age and lack of antecedents, I do invite the court the court to consider adjourning sentence so a pre-sentence report can be prepared.’  

Dunford was effectively of good character, having only a caution on his record.

Applying for Dunford to be released on bail until he is sentenced on December 15, Mr Garth said: ‘He would welcome an opportunity to get his affairs in order; he knows what’s coming. 

Hull Crown Court (pictured) heard that Dunford stabbed a man in the city and then said: ‘You deserve to die, you fat ****. Ha ha’

‘There’s been an honest plea today, with some courage, as your honour will understand.’

Releasing Dunford on bail, the judge told him: ‘I’m not going to pull the wool over your eyes. 

‘You should understand by granting you bail and adjourning for a report, the very high likelihood is you are going to get sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence.

‘However, I have not had the case explained to me by the prosecution, and I might not be the judge that sentences you. But you must be under no illusions.’