A couple who carried out the gratuitous torture of a man who believed he was their friend have received prison sentences totalling 50 years.
Jon Hamblin and Jessica Whinham launched the horrific attack on their 35-year-old victim in the early hours of September 11, 2021.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he was sleeping on the couch of Whinham’s home, in North Shields, when he was abruptly awoken to find himself lying on the floor with Hamblin standing over him.
It was at this point that he realised he had a deep stab wound.
Read more: Jon Hamblin and Jessica Whinham guilty of North Shields attack
The victim reported that Whinham put on some music, deliberately playing a song he had previously told her he disliked, and she told him it would be, “the last song you’ll ever hear.”
Their savage attack continued as the victim begged for his life before the pair eventually permitted him to leave.
He stumbled from the house, in Stanley Street West, and tried knocking on doors in nearby Spencer Street before eventually a kind-hearted couple came to his rescue, ringing 999, shortly before 4am.
Paramedics and police officers rushed to the scene and the victim was taken to hospital.
An investigation was launched, leading to the swift arrest and charging of 20-year-old Whinham and 43-year-old Hamblin, both with attempted murder.
The pair denied their guilt but were convicted of attempted murder by a jury following a trial at the court, in April last year.
Hamblin was today sentenced by Judge Robert Adams to 29 years behind bars, while Whinham was handed a 21-year sentence.
Both must serve at least two thirds of their sentences before being eligible for release on licence.
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They have also both been made subject of indefinite restraining orders, preventing them from ever contacting or approaching their victim.
Speaking after the sentences were handed down, Detective Inspector Jill Hall, of Northumbria Police, described it as, “a monstrous attack”.
She said: “Hamblin and Whinham’s treatment of their victim was inhuman.
“It was a monstrous attack against a man who believed he was in the company of friends.
“I want to thank the team of officers and forensics staff who worked night and day to ensure this gruesome pair were brought to justice.”
She added: “I also want to thank the victim for his bravery throughout.
“No sentence will ever take away the pain of what’s happened, but I hope knowing his attackers will be locked up for years to come will give him some comfort.
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“Thank you, also, to the couple who took in the victim in his hour of need and assisted him until paramedics arrived.
“Your kindness, bravery and resilience proves that there are still plenty of selfless, kind people in our region.”
She added that the force would continue to support the victim’s recovery, “in any way we can.”
