OAP stabbed over £70k loan pay back

Kenneth Shaw, 73, drove 15 miles from his caravan at Milnthorpe to Caton, near Lancaster.

The victim Mark Barton was attacked without warning at his home late one night last July, after telling the defendant he would sort out the matter relating to the money owed.

He was stabbed in the lower rib cage with a kitchen knife which caused a one a half centimetre incised wound that required stitches.

Shaw, of Burnt Barrow, Storth, Cumbria had pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Preston Crown Court heard that the defendant had been a father figure to a friend called Susan Barton who was married to Mark Barton. At one stage Shaw lent the couple £70,000 to help the man’s business and maintain the house. It was agreed the money would be paid back by paying for Shaw’s caravan, any holidays, plus anything else he needed.

Karen Brooks, prosecuting, said Mr Barton was declared bankrupt in 2013, but started a new business in his wife’s name. However, the couple broke up early last year.

One night last July the defendant turned up at Mr Barton’s address in Caton.

Shaw said: “I need to know when I am going to get some money. I want to know when I am going to be paid”.

Mr Barton said his wife was sorting out the finances. Shaw told him “I don’t think so” and stabbed him.

Rachel Woods, defending, said it had been an isolated incident involving a single blow.

He had intended to confront him. The defendant had sold his own home to give the couple financial help.

Recorder John Corless made a five year restraining order barring the defendant from contacting Mr Barton.