A Harrogate man who tried to kill two children with a breadknife has been sentenced to a secure hospital. 

George Edward Yates, 42, of Harrogate has been given a hospital order with restrictions for the attempted murder of two children.

During an incident in June 2022, Yates carried out a knife attack on two children in Beckwithshaw whilst suffering from delusional thoughts. He severely cut the throat of one child, causing life-threatening injuries, and attempted to do the same to a second. 

Following a nine-day trial in April 2023, Yates was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder. At the time the Judge adjourned sentencing so that Yates could undergo psychiatric assessments. 

But today (Wednesday, March 13), he was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.  

The Northern Echo: Yates, 42, is now in a secure hospital.

Because of his mental state at the time of the incident, the Judge sentenced him to a hospital order with restrictions, meaning that should he ever be released back into the community, he will be closely monitored by mental health professionals.

During the 2023 trial, the court heard how Yates, commonly known by his middle name Ed, had placed knives around his house and in his car.

He had also prepared a homemade incendiary device which was capable of causing a fire. At around 8 am on Monday, June 20, 2022, he attacked the two children with a large bread knife, severely cutting the throat of one child which resulted in life-threatening injuries.

He then attempted to do the same to a younger child.

North Yorkshire Police Detective Chief Inspector Steve Menzies has praised the bravery of both the child victims and the decorators who came to their aid after a man who attempted to murder the children was sentenced to detainment in a secure hospital.

Hearing the screams of the younger children, a teenager ran to help them and heroically tackled Yates, managing to wrestle the knife from him as he attempted to harm the youngest child. Thankfully all three children were able to run away from Yates.

Two decorators who were working at a house nearby were approached by the children and protected the children from Yates who had chased after them following the attack.

The harrowing story of what happened was explained by the children via pre-recorded interviews conducted by specialist police officers. The interviews were played to a packed court room which sat in complete silence as the children gave their disturbing accounts of what happened that morning.

The evidence of the two painter-decorators was also read out to the court. The two men described hearing the children’s screams and seeing them running towards them, one with blood pouring from a large open wound in their neck.

The court heard how the men rushed to provide first aid to the children, using one of their own hoodies to try to stem the flow of blood while they called the emergency services.

The incredibly brave teenager had also suffered a minor hand injury from grabbing the knife away from Yates.

The decorators stated that as they were helping the children, Yates twice approached them but they protected the children by shouting at Yates to keep back and go away.

Police were at the scene within minutes and after making an initial check on the welfare of the children, they entered a nearby house and found Yates in the bathroom.

He had attempted to take his own lifeby cutting his own throat and wrists, and superficially stabbing himself in the chest. He’d also ingested liquid morphine, which he’d taken from his mother’s house days before the attack.

Yates was immediately arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to his self-inflicted wounds. Following treatment, Yates assaulted a police officer who was on bed-watch duty at the hospital.

Speaking after sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Menzies of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This was an utterly horrific and disturbing crime, made all the worse by the young ages of the victims involved.

"To be attacked in such a violent manner, without any warning, is sickening, and sadly something the children will never forget.

"Whilst they have made remarkable physical recoveries, and shown immense bravery throughout the incident, the police investigation, and the trial, the emotional effects will be long-lasting.

“Since the attack they have all received support and care from specialist services, and I hope that with further support from professionals, their loved ones, and the sentencing that has been delivered by the courts today, they can put this horrendous incident behind them and move on to more positive times.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the teenager. They witnessed a horrific scene, yet tackled Yates and managed to grapple the knife from his hands. Thanks to that swift and decisive action, the younger children survived.

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“I also have to commend the two workmen who cared for the children, called the emergency services, and protected them from Yates until police arrived at the scene.

"Their quick thinking meant that the children received prompt medical care, and also meant that Yates survived his self-inflicted injuries, so he could be dealt with and face justice today. I nominated them, and the older child for formal recognition and I am delighted that the Judge formally Commended them in her summing up.

“As for Yates, he carried out an appalling attack on two defenceless children, and after hearing the evidence, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder of the two children. I’m just incredibly thankful that the children survived.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow investigators, and the prosecution team, who worked meticulously and tirelessly on this case to bring about today’s result. This has been a traumatic, disturbing, and highly emotional incident for everyone involved, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their professionalism and pure determination to ensure justice was served for the three children.”