Basildon man jailed for attempted murder in Westcliff
Curtis Butler, who's 23 and from Basildon's been jailed for 24 years
Last updated 16th Jun 2023
A man's been jailed for 24 years for attempted murder in Westcliff.
Curtis Butler, 23, of Great Gregorie, Basildon, was convicted in April of stabbing a man in Valkyrie Road, Westcliff shortly after midnight on 30 October 2021.
The victim, a man in his 20s, had been walking with friends over the bridge between Station Road and Valkyrie Road when Butler, wearing a balaclava, approached him, said something to him, and stabbed him.
After he fell to the floor, Butler stabbed the victim again to his neck and body before running off towards Station Road.
One of the victim’s friends administered first aid before seeking help from nearby houses, at which point the emergency services were called.
Officers helped give first aid while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
The victim had sustained a collapsed lung and required life-saving surgery.
Through CCTV enquiries, officers from Essex Police's Major Crime team were able to identify and track the defendant – 23 year-old Curtis Butler - to a block of flats in Grovesnor Road. Enquires with residents identified witnesses who were able to provide further evidence that Butler was responsible for the attack.
Butler, of Great Gregorie, Basildon, was arrested in April 2022 and subsequently charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife or sharp pointed article in a public place.
He denied the charge but was found guilty on 17 April following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.
At the same court today (Friday 16 June) he was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Kev Hughes said:
“This incident could have easily become fatal. Our investigation established this was a premeditated act”.
“Curtis Butler carried out a brutal and targeted attack which left the victim fighting for his life”.
“The victim was made to re-live the suffering through a trial, as Curtis Butler refused to admit his guilt. “He has now accepted he was responsible, but this has come too late, and his sentence reflects that. This young man will now spend a significant amount of time in prison as a result”.
“I want to commend the quick thinking and actions of the victim’s friend and the officers who were first on scene who administered lifesaving first aid before the paramedics arrived.”