Ex-Girlfriend Lures Man into Savage Ambush Filmed with Laughter
A man was viciously attacked in his car in a premeditated ambush orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend, who filmed the assault while laughter could be heard in the background. The shocking incident, described as "truly brutal" by a judge, unfolded after a revenge plot was carefully planned by the perpetrators.
Planned Assault and Court Proceedings
Summer Marl-Brock, 21, along with her cousin David Brock, 38, and Aaron Evans, 34, admitted to Section 18 Wounding with intent following the attack on Benjamin Edwards on August 17, 2024. Mold Crown Court heard that the assault was filmed by Marl-Brock, with laughter audible, and lasted until she was satisfied Mr Edwards had been attacked enough. Prosecuting barrister Jemma Gordan detailed how the victim was punched, kicked, and even bitten on the face by Brock through the driver's side door, while Evans attacked him through the passenger side.
Background and Catalyst for the Attack
The court learned that Mr Edwards and Marl-Brock had been in a relationship for 12 months, which ended in acrimony with accusations of violence from both sides. Marl-Brock had been telling others about the relationship, which served as "the catalyst" for the attack. Brock sent a threatening message to Mr Edwards, asking, "who do you think you are hitting my cousin Summer?" Despite attempts to placate him, another threatening message followed.
Luring the Victim to the Scene
On the night of the assault, Marl-Brock contacted Mr Edwards, claiming she had been out drinking and was alone. Concerned, he agreed to meet her halfway at shops in Ewloe. Unknown to him, Marl-Brock was with Brock and Evans, who had spent the evening planning the attack. "They were lying in wait," Ms Gordan said. At one point, Mr Edwards crashed his car trying to escape before eventually getting away and calling the police.
Injuries and Impact on the Victim
Mr Edwards suffered severe injuries, including haemorrhaging to his eyes, bruising and swelling to his face and head, a small fracture to part of his jaw, bite marks, and a wound to his ear. In a victim personal statement, he revealed he now struggles with sleeping, suffers nightmares, and has panic attacks in social situations. Scarring from the incident serves as a constant reminder of the trauma.
Criminal Histories of the Perpetrators
The court heard that Brock had 14 convictions for 29 offences, including assault and possession of an offensive weapon, with this attack marking a "distinct escalation" in his violent offending. Evans had 31 convictions for 54 offences, ranging from assault to drug-related crimes. Marl-Brock had one prior conviction for a driving offence.
Mitigating Circumstances and Sentencing
Defence lawyers highlighted various mitigating factors. Evans entered an early guilty plea and was intoxicated at the time; he is married with eleven children, and his wife has a medical condition. Brock also pleaded guilty early, suffers from mental health issues, alcohol dependency, and a personality disorder, having lost both parents as a child. Marl-Brock, who was 20 at the time of the offence, has anxiety, depression, bulimia, anorexia, recently suffered a stroke, and has a heart condition requiring surgery.
Judge's Remarks and Sentences
Judge Simon Mills described the video evidence as "truly shocking" and noted the biting as a "particularly chilling feature." He sentenced Evans to six years and three months, with two-thirds to be served in prison. Brock received an extended sentence of seven years and two months in prison, plus three years on licence, due to posing a "significant risk" to the public. Marl-Brock was sentenced to 54 months, with two-thirds in prison and access to healthcare. All three were given a 15-year restraining order and must pay a statutory surcharge.
