Man jailed for life over attack at Northampton balloon fair
The incident happened at the towns racecourse in 2023.
A man has been given a life sentence after attack two men with a knife at Northampton's balloon fair.
2\9 year old Shane Freeman attacked the men on August 19, 2023 at the annual event.
During the course of the evening, Freeman became annoyed with the other two and left, calling one of them on the phone a short time later to make threats.
The two men returned to the Racecourse in the early hours of the morning but shortly after they went to sleep in one of the caravans, Freeman burst in and assaulted them.
He slashed one of the men’s legs with a knife, before chasing the other victim and hitting him repeatedly to the face.
Following the assault, Freeman fled the site but was arrested a short time later by police officers and subsequently charged in connection with the incident.
He was found guilty of Section 18 grievous bodily harm, Section 20 grievous bodily harm and aggravated burglary following a two-week trial at Northampton Crown Court in December last year.
He returned to the same court for sentencing last Friday (March 14) and was handed a life sentence with a minimum of seven years and 88 days in prison before he can apply for parole.
Detective Sergeant Cory Wise of the West LPA CID Team said: “This was a terrifying and unprovoked assault on two men who both continue to suffer from the after-effects of this attack.
“I am grateful for the support they have given us throughout the investigation, and I hope this result provides them with both some closure and some comfort.
“Tackling serious violence is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I want to be clear that actions like Shane Freeman’s will not be tolerated. Everyone has disagreements now and again but there is never an excuse to use violence.
“I hope this case is a lesson to anyone else who thinks violence is acceptable. You will be arrested and you will go to prison.”