Portsmouth Man Jailed for Knife Attack During Burglary
Charlie McGowan, 21, of Drummond Road, Portsmouth, has been found guilty of a vicious stabbing during a burglary. The court convicted him of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm and burglary after he previously admitted lesser charges.
Attack Followed Shed Break-in Attempt
The attack happened on the afternoon of Thursday 13 August 2020. McGowan tried to break into a shed on Kingston Crescent but was caught in the act by the man who owns the shed, a man in his 30s.
Initially, McGowan fled the garden, but nearby in a parking area, he stunned everyone by stabbing the victim in the neck with a screwdriver.
Victim Survived Life-Threatening Injuries
The victim suffered life-threatening wounds and was rushed to southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton General Hospital for emergency surgery. Thankfully, he has made a full recovery.
Officers arrested McGowan within 15 minutes of the incident after he tried to flee the scene.
Hero Passer-by Praised for Saving Victim
Her Honour Recorder Louise Harvey praised a passer-by who “stepped in and administered first aid whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive, which very likely saved the victim’s life.”
Detective Constable Steve Tuck, lead on the case, said: “This senseless act of violence could have easily resulted in the death of a man. Luckily, he survived emergency surgery and has recovered well.”
He added: “I am grateful for the swift police response and pleased with this sentence. We also thank the member of the public who gave first aid — they almost certainly saved his life.”
“I hope this sentence brings closure to the victim and reassures the public that such violent crimes will not be tolerated.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
