Alex Crane, 24, had picked up a friend in his van on the night of...

Published: 2:13 am June 6, 2024
Updated: 11:54 am October 8, 2025
Violent offender Alex Crane jailed after stabbing

Alex Crane, 24, had picked up a friend in his van on the night of Monday 17 July last year, in the Margaretting Road area of Writtle.

A short time later, after the van veered off the road and crashed into a ditch, the victim was seen staggering along the road by witnesses.

The witnesses acted quickly to take him to hospital.

Crane had stabbed him in the back with a knife, going through his lung, diaphragm, and into his spleen.

The victim’s injury was described as life-threatening, and he required a blood transfusion and surgery.

Thankfully he later made a recovery, but he continues to have breathing problems and will rely on medication for the rest of his life.

Crane called our Force Control Room on Tuesday 18 July, in the early hours of the morning, falsely telling us his van had been stolen.

He was arrested on Wednesday 19 July at a caravan park at his home address in Oak Lane, Billericay.

The victim told us Crane – who he had considered a friend – had stabbed him without warning.

He said Crane had long been motivated by a delusion the victim had been involved with his girlfriend.

Despite the evidence against him, Crane denied a single charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was unanimously convicted by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 25 January.

Appearing at the same court for sentence on Friday 31 May this year, he was handed an extended sentence comprising 10 years imprisonment and two years on licence.

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