Liverpool nightclub attackers sentenced to 46 years for stabbing

A Crown Court judge has sentenced a group of young men to nearly 50 years in prison following a violent altercation in a Liverpool nightclub that left boxer Anthony Dodson with life-threatening injuries. The group was described as behaving like a “pack of animals” for stabbing Dodson in the heart and leaving him for dead.

In the courtroom, tears flowed as the judge imposed sentences totalling 46 years on those involved in the near-fatal attack in the city centre. After the stabbing, some of the group tried to burn their designer clothes in a park and attempted to flee to France by hiding in a lorry.

The eight defendants, who were convicted at Liverpool Crown Court, included Milne Critchley, Adam Draper, Lee Duffy, Jordan Kinsella, Eugene Mason-Lamb, George Miller, Cameron Quinn, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. They faced charges of unlawful wounding and violent disorder.

On Monday afternoon, six received prison sentences amounting to 46 years, while one avoided immediate imprisonment. The youth will be sentenced on Tuesday.

Judge Stuart Driver KC noted that a punch thrown by George Miller ignited the violent clash inside the club, which involved multiple defendants. One person was hit with a bottle and kicked while on the ground, and the bottle was later used to injure another man’s scalp. A knife was also brandished.

Although most of the defendants were ejected from the club, they remained outside. When one of the victims, Kia Robinson, exited, he was attacked by about six men wielding at least three weapons, including a knife and a piece of glass. Robinson sustained a scalp wound and other injuries. His friend, Alex Murphy, was stabbed in the back with glass and slashed with a knife while trying to protect him. The victims retreated inside, and the attackers waited outside.

Minutes later, the four victims emerged and were confronted by a larger group. Footage showed the smaller group walking backwards as the larger group advanced, throwing objects.

Dodson became isolated, surrounded, and was punched, kicked, and stabbed. His injuries were life-threatening, and emergency services reached him almost immediately, likely saving his life. Despite this, he has not fully recovered.

One eyewitness compared the attackers to a “pack of animals,” a sentiment echoed by the judge. It was a group attack of ten against one. Each defendant did not inflict the knife wound but was involved in the violence.

Steven Ball informed the jury that Dodson was found collapsed outside the Liverpool nightclub at around 5am on 27 December, having been stabbed twice in the heart and twice near the armpit. He was not breathing and had gone into cardiac arrest, but his life was saved by medics.

Dodson had been out with friends, some of whom also sustained serious injuries. Alexander Murphy was stabbed in the lower back, and Kia Robinson was struck in the head, resulting in a large gash. Samuel Finlay avoided major injury despite a bottle being thrown at his head. The victims and their group had visited the Safehouse on Victoria Street at 1.30am, while the defendants arrived around 2.45am.

By 5am, violence erupted inside the bar and continued onto the street. The victims were unarmed and outnumbered. Punches and kicks were combined with knives, bottles, and other improvised weapons.

The violence began when Miller and Draper punched Robinson, and Duffy brandished a knife. Finlay tried to intervene but was struck in the head with a bottle by Quinn. Robinson fell, and Duffy and the youth joined in the assault. Door staff intervened, ejecting Critchley, Duffy, Kinsella, Miller, Quinn, the boy, and three unknown males onto Peter Street.

The group moved to Victoria Street, initially entering a taxi before exiting. Duffy was seen on CCTV with a knife, and the group attempted to re-enter the bar. When Robinson, Finlay, and Murphy left towards Whitechapel, they were chased down the street by the assailants.

Critchley, Duffy, and Kinsella led the group. Robinson tried to reason with them but was forced to defend himself. The youth threw a bottle and swung a metal fan base at Robinson, causing a head gash. Murphy tried to defend Robinson but was stabbed by Quinn. Security intervened, and the victims were brought back inside the Safehouse.

Critchley, Duffy, Kinsella, Quinn, and the youth attempted to re-enter the bar, waiting outside for another attack opportunity. Draper, Mason-Lamb, and Delton Jones remained inside, leading to further violence when Robinson was punched and headbutted by Jones.

Murphy was taken to a taxi, while Dodson, McGovern, Robinson, and Williams were let out onto the street. Dodson was punched by Critchley and kicked by Miller before being stabbed in the chest. Mason-Lamb acted as a lookout.

The violence continued on Whitechapel, with defendants searching wheelie bins for objects to throw. Miller pushed and kicked Dodson, while Critchley displayed a knife. Duffy aimed punches at Robinson before throwing an object.

Dodson escaped to Church Street, where he collapsed from his injuries. Miller and Duffy were seen “shadow boxing” and celebrating their actions.

Critchley was later found in a cab, while Draper, Duffy, Kinsella, Miller, and the teen left on foot. Draper disposed of a knife in a bin. Critchley’s burned clothing was discovered in Everton, and he, Draper, Quinn, and Bowland were arrested in Folkstone after attempting to flee to France.

Kinsella and Mason-Lamb were arrested, while Duffy, Miller, and the youth surrendered to police. Jones remains wanted by Merseyside Police. Four others involved have not been identified.

Dodson’s prognosis remains uncertain, as his heart is not functioning correctly. Critchley, with a previous conviction for cannabis possession, argued he had no violent intent and expressed remorse.

Miller, with previous cannabis-related offences, claimed immaturity and misguided loyalty led to his involvement. Draper highlighted his young age and educational achievements.

Quinn and the youth expressed remorse, with Quinn described as having a positive character. Mason-Lamb, with a previous drug driving conviction, was involved later and expressed remorse.

Critchley received 10 years for wounding with intent, Draper received four years for unlawful wounding, Miller received 10 years for wounding with intent, Quinn received 12 years for two counts of wounding with intent, Kinsella received four years for unlawful wounding, Duffy received six years for unlawful wounding and possession of a blade, and Mason-Lamb received a suspended sentence for violent disorder. The youth’s sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Anthony Dodson is the son of former British super middleweight champion Tony Dodson and has achieved success in the Merseyside and Cheshire Youth Championship.