Thug admits brutal slash attack at David Lloyd gym
A thug has been warned to expect a "significant term of imprisonment" after knifing another man in the face at a David Lloyd gym. Elliot Ashton subjected victim Rhys Friday to a brutal "unprovoked" attack at the chain's Speke leisure centre last month.
The 22-year-old, of Lumley Street in Garston, was brought before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Monday, in connection with the incident. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool sporting short brown hair and wearing a black tracksuit top, he spoke to confirm his name before pleading guilty to charges of wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Peter Killen, defending, told the court: "There is a mental health background that is relevant to sentencing. Arrangements have been made for psychiatric evidence to be obtained."
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Ashton - who has previous convictions for carrying weapons, including a machete - was further remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing on December 2. Adjourning the case, Judge Ian Harris said: "I have viewed the video of this. He must know that he faces a significant term of imprisonment.
"I order a pre-sentence report to assist with dangerousness. I do that, firstly, because of the nature of this offence. It appears to be an unprovoked knifing to the face.
"Secondly, when I look at his record, he has a conviction in 2015 for possession of a knife, described as a machete, and a further conviction from 2021 for possession of a knife in a public place, for which he received a suspended prison sentence. The court will have dangerousness at the forefront of its mind.
"Certainly, count one has life as the maximum sentence. There are three sentences - a life sentence, an extended sentence and a determinate sentence. The defendant must steel himself for a significant term of imprisonment, under whatever regime."
The ECHO previously reported that a 23-year-old male was slashed across the face with a bladed weapon inside David Lloyd's branch off Speke Road shortly after 6pm on Thursday, August 29. Police and paramedics attended the scene, with the casualty being taken to hospital for treatment as the building was closed to gym users.
A cordon was also established outside Nando's at nearby New Mersey Shopping Park. Merseyside Police's Chief Inspector Neal Arrowsmith said following the incident: "Although initial inquiries are still being carried out, we believe this was a targeted attack against the victim. To attack someone in such a violent manner is shocking and, thankfully, officers were able to quickly detain a suspect."