Two jailed after man's teeth cut out

4:44pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

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TWO men have been jailed for seven years after being convicted of a savage attack in which a man was held down and his teeth hacked from his mouth.

Wayne Lappin, 22, of Malling Walk, Park End, and Michael Smith, 25, of Kinver Close, Berwick Hills, both Middlesbrough, were locked up at Teesside Crown Court for their parts in the assault on Steven Smith.

Lappin and Smith both denied the attack, in the early hours of New Year's Day, but were convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a trial last month.

The court heard how Mr Smith was pinned down and mutilated in the bathroom of his flat in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, after a row with his ex-wife.

Mr Smith passed out while the intruders cut out three of his teeth and he later had to have more than 100 stitches in wounds to his mouth and gums.

His ex-wife Katrina Smith, and daughter, Nikki Smith, were convicted of causing grievous bodily harm, while Lappin, who is his stepson, and Smith - no relation - were found guilty of the more serious charge of wounding with intent.

Katrina Smith, 40, and Nikki Smith, 20, both of Somersby Terrace, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough, were each given a 12 month sentence, suspended for two years, having been convicted of the lesser charge of unlawful wounding.

Nikki Smith also admitted causing criminal damage to the flat while her mother admitted burglary, having taken mobile phones.

Speaking after the hearing, Sergeant Helen Barker of Cleveland Police said: "This was a highly unusual case involving extreme levels of violence and a barbaric attack which led to horrific injuries which will affect Mr Smith for the rest of his life. "Every time he looks in a mirror he will be reminded of the trauma and horror he suffered that day. The sentences passed on Michael Smith and Wayne Lappin reflect the seriousness of this incident."