Hand attack swordsman jailed

The court heard Campbell has now admitted causing the injuries

A man found guilty of chopping off a man's hand with a sword after an argument in a restaurant has been jailed for eight years.

Shaun Campbell, 19, of Bangor Street, Kirkdale in Liverpool, was convicted of grievous bodily harm and affray at Liverpool Crown Court last month.

The victim, Mark Togstead, had his hand sewn back on in a 16-hour operation after the attack, in November 2001.

Sentencing Campbell on Friday, Judge Nigel Gilmour said: "This was a serious crime with permanent serious consequences for your victim."

Campbell had denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray, but the court was told that he has now admitted causing the injuries.

At the trial, the court heard Mr Togstead was eating with a friend in the Shangri La restaurant in Liverpool when a row started with Daniel Gilmore, Campbell's friend, who was dining at another table.

You pursued Mark Togstead, you sober and armed, he the worse for drink and unarmed

Judge Nigel Gilmour

Mr Togstead and his friend decided to leave and walked to a taxi rank.

However, Gilmore called Campbell - and the pair went to Queen Square where they attacked Mr Togstead and his friend.

Judge Gilmour added: "You pursued Mark Togstead, you sober and armed, he the worse for drink and unarmed.

"In running away from you inevitably his arms would be for a split second behind him, you swung at him with what you admit was a sword.

Mr Togstead underwent a 12-hour operation on his hand

"In that second Mr Togstead's life was permanently altered and it has proved so for yourself."

Gilmore, 21, admitted charges of affray, handling stolen goods, and breach of his bail and was sentenced to 30 months in jail.

The charge against him of wounding with intent was ordered to lie on the file.

Mr Togstead underwent a 12-hour operation to reattach his hand.

He can use his hand, but faces further surgery.