Swindon man jailed for stabbing friend

It happened in November 2021.

Author: Harry LongPublished 20th Oct 2022

A 39 year-old man from Swindon's been jailed for 12 years after stabbing a friend in his own home multiple times.

Richard Hall, of Beaulieu Close, Toothill was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent, burglary of a pharmacy, breach of a suspended sentence and possession of a bladed article.

It follows several incidents, including an attack on November 13, 2021 - when he stabbed his victim eight times with a kitchen knife.

When sentencing Hall His Honour Judge Jason Taylor KC said he deemed Hall “a dangerous offender” telling him: “Your victim certainly thought he was going to die.”

He went on to say: “This was a prolonged and persistent attack” and “you caused grave injury”.

Judge Taylor also told Hall the offence “was committed in his home where he should have felt safe.

“You do pose a significant risk of harm. The public need protection from you.”

Detective Constable Lily Cockerill, of Wiltshire Police said: “Hall attacked a friend in his own home who had been trying to help him. His actions were fuelled by his use of medications, stolen from a previous burglary at a pharmacy.

“The effect on the victim has been profound and has damaged all his personal relationships.

“It has taken a long time for this result to come about.

“I thank the victim for his strength in standing by the police and court process.”

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