Uncle loses appeal against his sentence after brutal stabbing of nephew
A drunken thug who brutally stabbed his nephew - leaving his intestines hanging out of his body - today lost an appeal against his 12-and-a-half year sentence.
Robert Stanley Gearing, 40, attacked his 24-year-old nephew, Craig Pitts, after a day of drinking at Gearing's Cannock home in September last year.
Mr Pitts was at Gearing's house in Danby Drive to help him clear up, but was scared of his uncle and repeatedly complained about his behaviour.
Following the attack in the kitchen, he was left with a life-threatening injury to his stomach, as well as other wounds to his arm and hand.
Gearing pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for 12-and-a-half years at Stafford Crown Court in April.
He appealed last week but was told by three senior judges that the sentence was justified for the serious attack.
Pain
Mrs Justice Cutts said the attack was so serious that Mr Pitts was left with "considerable ongoing pain and difficulty coping with everyday life".
He lost his job as a result of his injuries and became isolated socially, the judge continued at the Court of Appeal in London.
Gearing had previous convictions, including for weapons and a minor assault, but spoke of his remorse for the attack.
His lawyers argued that his sentence was too long, pointing to the very small reduction he received for pleading guilty.
Dismissing the appeal, the judge, sitting with Lord Justice Haddon-Cave and Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, said the sentence was appropriate.
"He had committed a violent attack with a knife on his nephew, causing life-threatening and long-term injuries," she said.
"The judge heard the prosecution opening and was therefore well aware of all the circumstances."
The sentence was upheld.
