Two ‘dangerous’ brothers were jailed today for attacking Rhyl’s ‘pop man’.

Sweets and drinks salesman William Clarkson was hit over the head with a metal baton and stabbed in the stomach as he made his rounds.

Judge Rhys Rowlands, sitting at Caernarfon Crown Court, told brothers Chad and Brad Daniels: “It is absolutely appalling that a thoroughly decent man, who works all hours in marked contrast to you, should be attacked.”

He said they had moved to Rhyl from the Midlands ‘determined to throw their weight around’.

Chad Paul Daniels, 20, of Balmoral Grove, Rhyl, was jailed for 12 years with an extended licence period of two years.

Brad Lee Bruce Daniels, 18, of East Parade, Rhyl, was handed a four and a half year prison sentence with an extended licence period of 18 months.

Neither showed any emotion as they were led away to the cells to begin their prison sentences.

Initially the two brothers had denied a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm but were convicted by a jury at Mold Crown Court. Sentence was adjourned for the preparation of reports which included an assessment of the danger they posed to the public.

Mr Clarkson was stabbed on August 25 last year as he was finishing his rounds.

Chad and Brad Daniels were jailed for 12 years and four and a half years for their attack on Rhyl's pop man
Chad and Brad Daniels were jailed for 12 years and four and a half years for their attack on Rhyl's pop man

He had spotted two men walking away from his vehicle and called to them, thinking they may have stolen from him. They came back towards him and Chad Daniels hit him on the head with a metal baton while his brother stabbed him in the stomach with a knife.

They then went to their aunt’s house in Rhydwen Drive where Chad Daniels picked up a knife and slashed the woman across the head. The wound needed 18 stitches and plastic surgery.

He was given a seven year jail term for that offence to be served concurrently.

A Victim Impact Statement by Mr Clarkson, summarised in court, said he had worked as a self-employed confectionary salesman in the Rhyl and Colwyn Bay area since 1999.

Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said he had never encountered such violence before and was facing surgery in the near future as a result of the injury he sustained.

“He says he no longer carries cash or bank cards with him and does not work as late which has a knock-on effect on his customers,” the lawyer added.

Barristers for both men said they had difficult upbringings and limited educational opportunities.

Both said the brothers realised they faced lengthy prison sentences.

Duncan Bould, for Chad Daniels, added: “It was not a sustained attack.”

Andrew McInnes said while Brad Daniels did have previous convictions, including having a knife in public, he had not served a prison sentence before.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Harrison said: "This was a nasty and vicious attack and these individuals have received substantial custodial sentences for their crimes.

"We are determined to maintain a safe North Wales and will always pursue those who bring harm to our communities.”