A man from Doncaster has been brought to justice after live-streaming a brutal stabbing attack on Facebook. Officers arrested Liam Robinson minutes after receiving an anonymous report about the disturbing video, which showed a man being stabbed and threatened.
The incident occurred at 7:06 PM on December 19, 2023, when police received a tip-off about a Facebook Live video showing a man being stabbed. The attacker, later identified as Liam Robinson, was seen brandishing a knife and threatening to stab the victim in the face.
Two response officers were dispatched to Robinson’s address in the Moorends area of Doncaster and arrived at 7:20 PM. Upon arrival, they found Robinson and noticed drops of blood in an area matching the location shown in the video.
Robinson, aged 31, of Kirkhouse Green Road, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH). During his escort to the hospital, Robinson assaulted a custody officer by spitting at him.
Detective Constable Jack Goodall, who led the investigation, said, “This was effectively a crime in action with an outstanding victim and a dangerous individual at large. After receiving the report from a member of the public, officers had to mobilise quickly to identify and track down Robinson so we could bring him into custody and prevent any further harm.”
The victim of the attack was found safe and well a day later and provided an account of the assault, which occurred while he was completing a labouring job at Robinson’s house. Robinson began the live stream mid-assault, adding to the victim’s humiliation and suffering.
Robinson pleaded guilty to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and assault by beating of an emergency worker. He was sentenced to two years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, July 10, after also being sentenced for driving a motor vehicle dangerously.
DC Goodall added, “Robinson subjected his victim to a brutal assault which he then live-streamed to people through his Facebook account. This was a cruel and humiliating act which only served to add to the physical punishment he inflicted on the victim. Robinson also showed further despicable behaviour by attacking a custody officer who was escorting him to the hospital for treatment. Doncaster’s Reactive CID team worked hard to piece together the evidence needed to secure a conviction, and I am pleased he has been given a custodial sentence. Acts of violence like this will not be tolerated, and we will always seek to secure justice for victims of horrific crimes like these.
