Abingdon Knife Attack: Man Jailed for Life After Brutal Stabbing
Mark Lally, 50, from Wootton Road, Abingdon, has been locked up for life with a minimum term of 11 years. The verdict came after a unanimous jury found him guilty of attempted murder following a fierce five-day trial at Oxford Crown Court.
Intoxicated Attack Leaves Woman Fighting for Life
The chilling attack happened around 9pm on November 27, 2019. Lally, drunk at the time, showed up at a woman’s home in Abingdon. An argument broke out with the woman, who is in her forties.
He stormed downstairs, grabbed a large kitchen knife, then returned to launch a savage assault. The victim was stabbed eight times, suffering two collapsed lungs, a chipped collarbone, fractured ribs, and narrowly missing spinal cord injury by just 3mm.
Bravery and Fast Action Save Victim’s Life
Police were called immediately, arresting Lally at the scene, while paramedics rushed the victim to hospital in critical condition.
“This was a horrific case in which the victim has not yet recovered from her injuries. I would like to thank her for her bravery in standing up against her attacker and giving evidence against him,” said Detective Sergeant Neil Anns from St Aldates police station.
Justice Served After Jury’s Unanimous Verdict
Lally confessed to stabbing but denied trying to kill. The jury didn’t buy it.
“The jury came to the unanimous conclusion he intended to murder the victim,” DS Anns added. “Thanks to the hard work of our officers, the CPS, and especially the prompt first aid from responding officers, the victim’s life was saved.”
This conviction sends a clear message: valley-police/" title="Thames Valley Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Thames Valley Police will fight relentlessly to protect victims and bring violent criminals to justice.
