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Search forJail cut for bayonet attacker in 10-year flight from justice
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:10
During his time on the run, Anthony Francis Allum turned around his life, working in London as a builder and gaining a degree, London's Criminal Appeal Court heard.
The judges allowed his appeal in light of the circumstances of the offence and the fact that Allum had led a "useful" life while on the run.
Allum, 44, of Hall Street, Alvaston, who absconded after pleading guilty to unlawful wounding and producing cannabis in March 1997, was finally sentenced to three years in jail at Derby Crown Court on July 1 this year.
But yesterday that sentence was cut to two years and one month by judges Mr Justice Simon and Mr Justice Jack.
The court heard Allum had confronted neighbour Paul Croft, with the bayonet in October 1996 after blaming some guests of his for a broken window at his home. Mr Croft sustained two cuts while struggling with Allum and later called the police.
Officers found a number of cannabis plants growing at Allum's house when they visited to question him about the wounding incident.
Allowing the appeal, Mr Justice Jack said: "It is argued that the appellant had been provoked and that the weapon was not wielded so as to cause injury – the wounds were caused by the victim pushing the blade away.
"He has shown over the time that he absconded that he was capable of leading a useful and productive life.
"The circumstances call for a lower sentence than that which was imposed."
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