Jason McDonagh appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, January 2 and pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (GBH) and two counts of possession of a bladed article.
The court heard that the victim had been at a friend’s flat in Bognor in the early hours of Tuesday, November 25 when McDonagh showed up and was aggressive to both before falling asleep.
They left the flat to get some food and returned a short time later when McDonagh awoke and was again aggressive.
At around 8.20am in the morning they left the flat again, while McDonagh remained despite having been asked to leave.
McDonagh, of no fixed address, then appeared from an alleyway before throwing a glass bottle and a kitchen knife at the victim. He then picked that knife up and chased the victim towards Bognor station with knives in both hands.
He lunged at the victim in the station forecourt, leaving him with a significant slash injury to his right arm. He continued to attack the victim, knocking him to the floor before he was able to get up and run away.
Officers from Sussex Police arrived after calls from members of the public and McDonagh, 22, was found and detained shortly afterwards.
The victim was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to the deep wound on his arm.
British Transport Police Detective Constable Christopher May said: “McDonagh has never explained his horrific actions on that day. He was only loosely known to the victim and by all accounts his actions were completely unprovoked.
Forensics teams at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)
“The attack took place at a busy station in front of horrified onlookers, and in fact just seconds before a group of young schoolchildren had been escorted into the station by their teachers. McDonagh showed absolutely no regard for these people, or indeed the terrified victim who continues to recover from the incident, both physically and psychologically.
“This shocking incident caused considerable shock and concern among the community, and I am glad to see that McDonagh has pleaded guilty to his actions.
“Our detectives and forensics officers worked tirelessly to gather vital evidence so that McDonagh could be charged and remanded within 24 hours of the incident, ensuring he was taken off the streets and justice achieved for the victim.
“I’d like to thank them, our partners at Sussex Police, the local authority and the Crown Prosecution Service for their incredible hard work and support during our investigation.”
McDonagh has been remanded in custody for sentencing at the same court on Friday, February 27.
Anyone who is the victim of or witness to violence on the railway network should text BTP on 61016. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Source link
[Featured]
[Just In]
