A WOMAN whose husband was brutally killed in a barbaric knife attack by two teenagers who tried to decapitate him is suing his employers.

According to a national newspaper, Elaine Wilson, 63, has launched a compensation claim over the horrendous death of her husband Robert outside the pharmaceutical factory where he worked in 2020.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gaukroger and EarnshawGaukroger and Earnshaw

Robert Wilson, 53, from Birstall, was investigating youths hanging around outside the Thornton and Ross pharmaceutical plant in Huddersfield in January 2019, when he was attacked by Kiyran Earnshaw, 18, and 16-year-old Luke Gaukroger, who passed the 20-inch samurai sword between them.

Audio recorded from Mr Wilson’s phone call to a security firm captured Gaukroger – who was 15 at the time – shouting “get his head.”

Mr Wilson had left the plant to talk to the youths in the car park with colleagues Paul Thewliss and John Badejo.

Mr Badejo was seriously injured as he tried to help his friend and both men were forced to flee for their lives.

Both defendants admitted murdering Mr Wilson and causing Mr Badejo grievous bodily harm with intent. 

Earnshaw and Gaukroger were both sentenced to life with minimum terms of 22 years and 16 years, eight months respectively.

It has been reported that Mrs Wilson, who is seeking £200,000 in damages, claims her husband's employers were negligent in caring for her husband's safety.

According to the national newspaper report, she is suing for the financial losses caused by her husband's death and blames the company for putting him in harm's way.

She says they allowed him to carry out work for which he had received no training and required him to work outside the factory even though his contract stipulated he was only required to work inside the premises

The writ says the company failed to carry out a risk assessment and knew the outside area had previous problems with trespassers.

It also says they were aware he could encounter trespassers and face violence.

When Earnshaw and Gaukroger were sentenced in September last year, Elaine told the court her much-loved husband’s death was “completely incomprehensible” and asked:

“How on earth have we come to this and why?”

She said to the defendants: “I want you to know you have taken the life of a much respected, admired and good man.”

She is now working with the Kirklees Early Action Team though the PEAK - Positive Engagement Against Knives - project.

Kennedy's Law, the solicitors representing Thornton and Ross, said the firm was not in a position to comment on client matters.

Last year, the company announced it was determined to take action as a positive response to Mr Wilson's tragic death.

The firm committed to creating a fund to prevent young people becoming embroiled in knife crime.