BRING ME THE HORIZON Frontman Comments On Online Impersonator's Attempted Murder Conviction

Vocalist Oliver "Oli" Sykes of the British metalcore act BRING ME THE HORIZON has commented on the reports that a 20-year-old male from the U.K. had impersonated the singer and attempted to kill a woman from California by slitting her throat.

David Russell has been jailed for life for the calculated kidnap and attempted murder of Maricar Benedicto, 19, from California. He will serve a minimum of 17 and a half years in prison after being sentenced yesterday (Wednesday, October 5) at Northampton Crown Court.

Prosecuting Queen's Counsel Christopher Donnellan told the court of Russell's actions, "He took her to an area of woodland off White Lane. He asked her to sit down on a fallen tree trunk and said he was going to blindfold her and said she would get a surprise or a present. He stood behind her, blindfolded her, asked her to put her head back, and her arms up. Although she did not see any implement because of the blindfold, the next thing she felt was her neck being sliced."

Benedicto then attempted to run away, but Russell caught up with her and stabbed her three further times. He then fled the scene, while Benedicto sought help in a nearby house.

Commented Sykes: "I woke up to the news in L.A., and didn't really believe it at first. It's very unsettling. I'm aware that people have used my identity for pranks and whatever, which has always been something that's been uncomfortable for me, but for something like this to happen is terrifying.

"My heart goes out to Maricar and hope she recovers soon. I would also urge anyone using social networking sites about a really great foundation called the Carly Ryan Foundation (carlyryanfoundation.com). Carly suffered a fate worse even worse than this case but the story isn't worlds apart. The foundation was set up to raise awareness and educate people on the risks of meeting people online.

"Stay safe and be careful."