Razor-attack barber Lloyd Dobrodumow spared jail

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-29755843

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A barber who slashed a man's neck with a cut-throat razor as they fought outside his shop has been spared jail.

Lloyd Dobrodumow, 45, attacked Robert Smith after an argument broke out at Jack's, in Newcastle, leaving him with a 10cm wound to his throat.

A scuffle broke out in June after Mr Smith tossed away a can of lager.

Dobrodumow admitted unlawful wounding and was given a 12-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay £5,000 compensation.

He must also pay £700 costs and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Neil Pallister, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court that at 17:00 BST on 10 June the barber was at work with his wife when Mr Smith threw a can of alcohol to the floor.

Witnesses saw Dobrodumow, who previously owned a shop called The Demon Barber, trying to close but Mr Smith placed his foot in the door.

'Tearful remorse'

Dobrodumow went outside and witnesses then saw Mr Smith swing a bag containing other cans of lager at him.

Dobrodumow then punched him in the face with the hand in which he was holding the razor.

Blood began to soak into his T-shirt and witnesses heard Mr Smith demanding £10,000 to "make it all go away".

He was taken to hospital for surgery as the main muscle had been cut and his saliva gland cut in two.

Mr Pallister said Dobrodumow had a history of domestic violence and 17 convictions.

But mitigating, Toby Hedworth QC said witnesses heard Mr Smith threatening to kill him, steal his dog and call his wife a slut. He also said he had showed "genuine, tearful remorse".

Judge Tom Little accepted there had been no intent to cause injury as he did not realise the blade was still in his hand.