Overview
- Judge Jonathan Carroll at Teesside Crown Court sentenced Alex Ibbetson to 24 years in custody with a five-year extended licence after his guilty plea to attempted murder.
- The October 2 attack was recorded on CCTV and showed Ibbetson repeatedly kicking and stamping on the prone victim’s head as he shouted, “you’re going to die – I am a maniac.”
- Mr Norlund was placed in an induced coma for 20 days and remains in hospital with memory loss, speech problems, and mobility issues, with his long-term recovery uncertain.
- Prosecutors said the violence erupted after Mr Norlund refused to give Ibbetson money, noting a 15-year pattern of drug abuse and aggression toward family members to fund his habit.
- Cleveland Police described the assault as horrendous and said Ibbetson poses a danger to the public; under the extended sentence he will be eligible for release after serving two-thirds of the prison term.