A mother and her son have been sentenced to a total of 10 and a half years in prison for a brutal and unprovoked hammer attack on a former acquaintance. Charlie and Laura Haynes assaulted Stacey Blackman in Folkestone, Kent, causing severe injuries including a fractured jaw and missing teeth.
During the attack, the duo forcibly dragged Ms. Blackman into the bathroom, where they submerged her head underwater, instilling a fear of drowning. Charlie, who was 19 at the time, continued to physically assault Ms. Blackman, causing significant harm.
Following their arrest, Charlie and Laura denied their actions, but a jury found them guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court. Ms. Blackman suffered extensive injuries, including a fractured upper jaw, missing teeth, and other wounds.
The prosecution characterized the assault as a revenge-driven act, possibly stemming from incidents involving broken windows and a missing phone. The court heard how Laura directed her son during the attack, making intimidating remarks.
In a statement, Ms. Blackman expressed the lasting physical and emotional trauma she endured, including the need for expensive dental treatments not covered by the NHS. She highlighted the impact on her self-confidence and daily life, noting significant changes in her routines and living conditions.
The defense highlighted Charlie and Laura’s previous good conduct but acknowledged the severity of the assault. The court noted the premeditated nature of the attack and sentenced Charlie to five years and Laura to five-and-a-half years in prison. The judge emphasized the unprovoked and violent nature of the assault on a vulnerable victim.
As part of their sentence, the pair must pay a victim surcharge and adhere to a restraining order prohibiting contact with Ms. Blackman for five years. They will serve a minimum term behind bars before being eligible for release on license.
