Gloucester Stabbing Duo Get Heavy Jail Terms After Brutal Daylight Attack
Kevin McNeil and Sadique Thomas have been locked up for a savage machete attack on a man in Gloucester last year. The pair were first charged with attempted murder but later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of wounding with intent.
13 Years for Thomas, 13½ for McNeil After Prison Officer Assault
The violence unfolded on Salisbury Road on August 2, 2020. Following a dramatic two-week trial, McNeil, 20, from Southgate Street, was hit with 13-and-a-half years behind bars, including an extra six months for attacking a prison officer. Thomas, 22, of Desford Close, received 13 years at Bristol Crown Court on August 6.
Masked Men Armed with Machetes Leave Victim Fighting for Life
The victim, just 19, was brutally stabbed in the leg, arm, and torso by the masked attackers in broad daylight while at a friend’s house. Emergency services raced to the scene after reports came in around 4.30pm. Despite horrific, life-changing injuries and refusing to support the prosecution, the victim survived thanks to quick medical action and local heroes.
Stolen Car, Burned Clothes, and Explosive Getaway
- The pair arrived in a stolen blue Vauxhall Insignia with cloned plates, tracking down their victim before launching the chilling machete attack.
- After fleeing the scene, they burned their clothes in Armscroft Park, Barnwood—right in front of weekend crowds.
- Hours later, in Abbeymead, they torched their getaway car causing an explosion heard across Gloucester.
Forensic evidence linked burnt jackets, caps, and Nike trainers back to McNeil, Thomas, and the victim, cementing their guilt.
“Despite a lack of engagement by the victim and key witnesses, Gloucestershire police kept digging to bring these dangerous men to justice,” said Detective Sergeant Jon Newton.
“The extreme violence and their attempt to destroy evidence put the public at serious risk. This sentencing sends a clear message: violent gang crime won’t be tolerated.”
Not every accused ended up convicted. Jay Campbell, 23, from Bloomfield Road, was found not guilty of assisting an offender.
