Man convicted for stabbing ex-partner and man

A man has been found guilty of attempted murder after launching a brutal knife attack on his ex-partner and another man at a home in Cheadle last November.

Anthony Lovatt, 68, of Cheadle, was convicted today (Monday 14 April) at Stafford Crown Court following a trial. The jury found him guilty of one count of attempted murder after he stabbed a man multiple times during the incident.

Lovatt had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wounding with intent and two counts of possessing a knife in a public place.

The court heard how Lovatt followed the victims back from a local pub to a house on 8 November 2024. When the man inside opened the front door, Lovatt—armed with a knife in each hand—stabbed him in the neck, chest, and abdomen. He then stabbed the woman in the chest and held a knife to her throat.

A struggle ensued, during which the woman managed to push Lovatt away. He fled the scene still carrying both weapons.

Police launched a swift search and arrested Lovatt at a nearby house shortly afterwards. He told officers where he had hidden the knives, which were later recovered from an alleyway between Harbourne Crescent and Windy Arbour.

The male victim required surgery in hospital for his injuries, while both victims are said to be continuing to recover from the traumatic ordeal.

PC Eve Loach of Staffordshire Police’s Criminal Investigations Department said: “This was a particularly violent attack that will no doubt have a lasting emotional effect on both victims.

“People in Staffordshire responsible for serious violence and domestic abuse are being robustly targeted by officers and detectives across the force. We’re determined to seek the toughest possible punishment in court and to support victims as much as we can.”

Lovatt has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on 8 July.