Southport man Leslie Marshall jailed for attempted murder

Detectives are welcoming the sentencing of a Southport man to prison for attempted murder following a domestic incident in June.
 
At around 9.30am on Friday 25 June, emergency services were called to Virginia Street in Southport to reports of a woman in her 40s being assaulted, suffering knife wounds to her neck, chest and abdomen. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and suffered life-changing injuries.
 
51-year-old Leslie Marshall was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with attempted murder. 
 
Today (Tuesday 9 November) at Liverpool Crown Court, Marshall was sentenced to 19.5 years in prison, in addition to an additional five years on extended licence. 
 
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Caton said: “Although his victim survived this appalling attack, there is no doubt that the actions of Leslie Marshall in June have devastated the lives of not only his victim, but the entire family. 
 
“Today he begins a significant prison sentence, which we hope at least helps the ongoing healing process they all face.
 
“To investigate domestic abuse Merseyside Police has a number of specialist resources it can call upon to investigate the crime and support the victim of this heinous, under-reported and often hidden crime. 
 
“We are committed to ensuring that victims are protected and their needs are put first in these situations. Making those first steps and reporting abuse can be daunting and there are many reasons why people find it hard to do, but there is support available, not just from the police, but other organisations too.

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to have the courage to report it to us and we will support you in every way we can, through our specialist domestic abuse teams and working closely with partners.

“Similarly I would ask if you are aware of someone who is a victim of domestic abuse – whether that be a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour - please contact us so that we can take positive action and offer them the support that they need.”

If you have any non-urgent information on domestic abuse – if you are a victim or believe someone you know is a victim - you can contact direct message @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or contact @CrimestoppersUK, anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
 
Further support can also be found at these national agencies:
Women’s Aid | womensaid.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours) https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
Refuge (includes information for men) | refuge.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 200 0247(24 hours)