Pair jailed for 'sadistic' attack using scissors and belt

A VIOLENT pair who imprisoned a man overnight and subjected him to a “sadistic” attack were jailed for a combined 36 years.
Jailed: Muscroft and LiversidgeJailed: Muscroft and Liversidge
Jailed: Muscroft and Liversidge

Gemma Muscroft (32) lured the victim — her 47-year-old ex-partner — to her house at Hartington Road, Holmes, by asking him to bring food.

She and friend Nathan Liversidge (30) injured him using weapons including scissors, a belt and a large serrated piece of metal.

Det Sgt Matt Jackson said they left the victim with life-threatening injuries to his neck, hands and body.

He added: “They then locked him in the bathroom, knowing full well how severely injured he was, fleeing the scene and taking the victim's 11-week-old Staffordshire puppy.

“The level of violence he was subjected to is appalling and some of the worst I have seen in my many years of policing. I echo the words of the judge, who described the attack as abhorrent, savage and sadistic.

“They have left him with lasting injuries and no doubt the mental impact will stay with him forever.”

Muscroft admitted section 18 assault, false imprisonment and theft of the dog and was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment.

Liversidge, of no fixed address, was given the same sentence after admitting section 18 assault and false imprisonment.

The victim escaped from a locked bathroom on February 22, the morning after the attack, and collapsed in the street.

Muscroft and Liversidge gave no explanation for the attack. They entered guilty pleas at Sheffield Crown Court on May 13 and were sentenced on Friday (21).

Det Sgt Jackson said: “The victim, Muscroft’s ex-partner, was trying to help her that morning, bringing her some food at her request. 

“I’m pleased that Muscroft and Liversidge have been jailed for a significant length of time for their appalling actions and are no longer a risk to the community. I hope that the victim can take some comfort in this.

“I would also like to thank the numerous detectives, police officers and support staff who worked on this distressing case as without their hard work and dedication the conclusion of this case could have been very different.”

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