A dangerous criminal who went on the run after a brutal knife attack was found hiding in the loft of a Midlands home. Kurt Horton and Tracey Hoff knew police were actively searching for James Pedley when they gave him shelter.
Pedley had repeatedly stabbed a man on October 11, 2025. Nottinghamshire Police responded to the scene in Morvern Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield, around 1pm. The victim was seriously injured and taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
Officers identified 41-year-old Pedley as a suspect. Two days later, he was tracked to an address in Dalestorth Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, where Horton and Hoff lived. Hoff let officers into the house but denied knowing Pedley's whereabouts.
During a search, Pedley was found hiding under loft insulation, between floor beams, and behind hatches that could only have been locked by another person. Clothing he wore on the day of the attack was also found inside. Pedley, Hoff, and Horton were all arrested.
Sentences Handed Down
In March, Pedley, of Elder Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He was jailed for 14 years. Horton and Hoff previously pleaded guilty to assisting an offender, while Horton also admitted a Bail Act offence.
Horton, 34, of Sherwood Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was jailed for 16 months at Nottingham Crown Court on June 9. Hoff, 37, of Newcastle Street, Huthwaite, received a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Police Warning
Detective Constable Ryan Lambert of Nottinghamshire Police said: "By allowing Pedley to hide at this address, Hoff and Horton were committing a very serious offence. Pedley had gone on the run after his brutal attack, and both these offenders knew they were sheltering a dangerous man we were actively searching for. I'm pleased they have been brought to justice and hope this sends a message to anyone prepared to assist an offender."
