Man Stabbed and Strangled Ex in Brutal Attempted Murder
Thuan Dinh, 53, was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court for the chilling attempted murder of his former partner. The terrifying attack unfolded in a Tonbridge nail bar on the morning of 11 March 2020.
Premeditated Attack in Tonbridge High Street Shop
Dinh sneaked into the shop before opening hours and waited in the shadows. When the victim arrived around 9am, she found him lurking with a rope. He declared his plan to kill her before launching a savage assault.
Dinh tried to strangle her with the rope, gouged her eyes, and stabbed her deeply in the neck with a knife kept for food prep. The victim suffered serious neck wounds alongside traumatic injuries to her head and eyes.
Witnesses Rush In to Stop the Horror
The attack was interrupted when a staff member entered the shop and quickly raised the alarm. Passersby stormed in to pull Dinh off the victim and held him until police arrived. Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Dinh was treated for minor injuries before being taken into custody. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate charged him with attempted murder and carrying an offensive weapon in public.
Justice Served: Dinh Gets 28 Years
Despite pleading not guilty, Dinh was found guilty after a trial and admitted breaching a restraining order. On 21 April 2022, he was jailed for 28 years with a four-year extended licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Garry Cook said: “Dinh’s attack was truly horrific and premeditated. He had brought accelerants, intending to set fire to the shop after the assault.”
“I hope this sentence brings the victim some comfort. Thanks to brave members of the public who intervened, the victim’s life was likely saved.”
