MAN TRIED TO KILL ESTRANGED WIFE AFTER BLAMING HER FOR HIS KOI CARP DYING WHILE HE WAS IN PRISON
A man who exerted control over his estranged wife and attempted to deliberately kill her using a baseball bat and his vehicle has received a 24-year prison sentence.The attack was only halted by the intervention of bystanders who restrained him, preventing her death.
Laurence Worville, aged 51 and formerly residing on Spring Bank West, faced charges of attempted murder for his actions towards his wife.
He was convicted after a jury trial at Hull Crown Court.
During the proceedings, Worville claimed his anger stemmed from her neglect of his koi carp while he was incarcerated.
Having been released from prison just days prior, Worville sought her out by accessing his former workplace at Royal Mail to view mailing redirection details for her new address, which he obtained by sneaking into the depot on St Peter's Street, Hull.
He had previously served time for assaulting his wife.
The judge, John Thackray KC, described the CCTV footage of the assault as "truly horrifying," showing Worville accelerating his car to hit her, pinning her against railings.
At around 7:30 am on May 7 last year, he drove a silver Volkswagen Polo on Chanterlands Avenue near Lyton Avenue, then used a new baseball bat bought from Sports Direct to repeatedly strike her.
Witnesses heard Worville express hope that his strikes caused her pain and were able to restrain him.
They named a woman who assisted the injured woman at the scene.
The judge emphasized that Worville had planned the attack over several days, disputing his claim of chance encounter.
He was actively searching for her to kill her and carried the baseball bat for that purpose.
The intervention of brave passersby prevented him from continuing his assault, which would likely have been fatal.
The attack's brutality was underscored by the woman's screams, as she was pinned and struck.
During the attack, Worville showed no remorse, even shouting that he hoped her injuries caused her pain.
He also attempted to justify his actions by criticizing her care of his koi carp during his imprisonment.
The prosecution noted Worville’s prior assault conviction and that he had breached a restraining order against her.
In hospital, the woman suffered a broken leg, a deep head wound, and a broken finger, spending ten days recovering.
Her victim impact statement revealed ongoing fear and trauma linked to the incident.
Sentencing, Justice Thackray KC, imposed a 24-year term with an additional four years on license, citing her as a serious risk to the public.
The judge also praised the passersby for their heroism; David Cattle disarmed Worville and restrained him until police arrived, with others helping to move the car and tend to the victim.
After the hearing, the victim expressed immense gratitude to those who helped her, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and speaking out to others facing similar situations.
Detective Inspector Helen Collier noted Worville's manipulative and dangerous nature, outlining his premeditated actions including burglary to locate her address, purchasing a bat, and using his vehicle as a weapon.
She commended the public for their heroism and underlined the authorities’ commitment to ensuring justice and safety for victims of violence.
