THREE family members who were jailed for a samurai sword attack in which the victim lost his spleen have had their sentences increased by the Court of Appeal.

David Lamb, 51, Paul Lamb, 53, and James Lamb, 27, were each sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court in November after admitting attacking Wayne Brown.

The terms were increased on Tuesday to nine years by three Court of Appeal judges, who found the sentences were “unduly lenient” following a referral from Solicitor General Michael Ellis QC.

David Lamb had called his brother Paul and Paul’s son James to an address in Gateshead after he had been repeatedly kicked and punched by Mr Brown on January 11 last year.

Armed with two samurai swords and a hunting knife, the father and son inflicted life-threatening injuries and the victim suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to hospital.

Mr Brown lost his spleen as a result of the attack and needed 37 units of blood and 37 units of plasma during various surgical procedures before finally being discharged on February 18.

All three of the Lambs were charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to an alternative count of wounding with intent.

James Lamb further admitted two counts of having a bladed article, while his father admitted one count.

Sentencing, Judge Robert Adams accepted there was a significant background and Mr Brown had been involved in “bullying” and assaults against David Lamb.

But Lord Justice Davis said in his appeal ruling that the original sentences did “not accurately reflect the gravity of the offence”.

“The fact of the matter is, these offenders took matters into their own hands,” he said.

“This was a case of extreme violence.”

The Solicitor General said: “I was shocked and appalled by this attack which left a man fighting for his life.

“The decision by the Court of Appeal to increase these sentences today was the right one, and I hope it can bring some comfort to Wayne Brown.”