Kensworth man handed 15 year jail term for '˜savage' stab attack on '˜friend'

Richard Price, 34, of Watling Street, Kensworth, attacked the victim with a knife on December 12 2015 at a property in Houghton Regis.

Price, who knew his victim, armed himself with a knife and attacked him from behind, stabbing him in the chest and neck.

He then fled the scene but was later arrested after a police manhunt.

Price pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court and yesterday he received a 15 year sentence.

Detective chief inspector Vicki Evans, senior investigating officer for the case, said: “This was a savage and premeditated attack by Price on someone who considered him a friend.

“The offender spun a calculated web of deceit to the victim, to ensure he was in a vulnerable position and in part of the house he could not readily escape from, before inflicting more than 15 stab wounds on him.

“It is extremely fortunate that the victim was able to survive such horrific injuries, and I hope the sentence today is of some comfort to him.”

DCI Evans added: “There is no doubt that this was a pre-meditated attack in which Price intended to kill his victim, so it is only right that he should be locked away for a substantial amount of time.

“I would like to commend the victim for his bravery, and thank all the officers involved in this case for their tireless work in helping to bring this dangerous offender to justice.”

The attack was believed to be motivated by drug addiction, and during the sentencing the judge commented on the case, saying: “If ever there was a case which shows the affect that hard drugs have on people, this is the case.”