Teeth hacked out in family fight

Michael Smith and Wayne Lappin were found guilty of wounding with intent

Two people have been jailed for hacking out a man's teeth during a "barbaric" attack on Teesside.

Stephen Smith, 43, lost 12 teeth and needed 100 stitches after being assaulted following a family argument in Middlesbrough on New Year's Day.

His 22-year-old stepson, Wayne Lappin, and family friend Michael Smith, 25, were each jailed for seven years.

Ex-wife, Katrina, 40, and his daughter Nikki Smith, 20, were given 12 month sentences suspended for two years.

Teesside Crown Court had earlier heard that the four had confronted Stephen Smith at his home in South Bank after his daughter falsely claimed he had ripped out her earrings and stolen cash.

Katrina and Nikki Smith were found guilty of unlawful wounding

Mr Smith said that he felt a seven-inch knife being forced into his mouth, before passing out from the pain.

He also suffered a fractured cheekbone and 80 injuries to his face and body.

Defence lawyers said that the teeth removal was not pre-planned, and that the women played no part in it.

Michael Smith and Lappin, from Middlesbrough, were found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Katrina and Nikki Smith, also of Middlesbrough, were found guilty of unlawful wounding.

After sentencing, Sgt Helen Barker, of Cleveland Police, said: "This was a highly unusual case involving extreme levels of violence and a barbaric attack which led to horrific injuries which will affect Mr Smith for the rest of his life.

"Every time he looks in a mirror he will be reminded of the trauma and horror he suffered that day.

"The sentences passed on Michael Smith and Wayne Lappin reflect the seriousness of this incident."