Victims of Northumberland knife attacks suffer 'vile online abuse'

Brett Fenwick, 37, and Blaine Fenwick, 25, both of Lower Barresdale, Alnwick, are beginning a combined 35 years behind bars after they were sentenced for their drink-fuelled assaults on former partners Louise Pearce and Gareth Mallaburn.

Brett Fenwick was jailed for a total of 25 years on Monday, March 16, after he admitted attempting to murder Miss Pearce and was convicted of wounding Mr Mallaburn with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Blaine Fenwick was imprisoned for 10 years after he was found guilty by the same Newcastle Crown Court jury of wounding Mr Mallaburn with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that trouble flared after Brett Fenwick and Louise Pearce had started a relationship together while all four were working at The Alnwick Garden.

The Fenwicks forced their way in to the then couple’s home in Howling Lane, Alnwick, on December 27, 2018, with Brett Fenwick stabbing Mr Mallaburn in the neck.

He then stabbed, kicked and punched Miss Pearce both in the property and in an adjoining garden after she fled for help.

She suffered neck, cheek, ear, jaw, scalp, chin and eyebrow injuries with a consultant saying she was “lucky to be alive”.

Detective Constable Chris Rogan, who led the Northumbria Police investigation, said: “As well as suffering awful physical pain and trauma since the attack, Louise and Gareth have also suffered vile online abuse.

“I want to take a moment to remind and urge the public to be mindful of how their words can have a lasting impact on the victims.

“Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, Louise and Gareth were the victims of a life changing crime, one both physically and mentally scarring.

“No-one deserves to have lived through the ordeal they have suffered.

"I know that nothing will take away the pain and suffering Brett and Blaine Fenwick have caused their victims.

“But hopefully yesterday’s sentence will give them at least a small sense of justice as they start move forward.”