Cousin Stabs Bethanie 27 Times in Savage Park Attack
A man has been hit with a 14-year jail sentence for attempting to murder his cousin in a chilling Hemel Hempstead attack.
Joel Gregory, 20, of no fixed address, was found guilty of stabbing his 18-year-old cousin Bethanie MacSweeney 27 times in a vicious, unprovoked assault on February 25th. He left her for dead in Bunker’s Park before fleeing to burn his clothes and destroy the evidence.
From Pub Night to Brutal Stabbing
Gregory and Bethanie had been out drinking — first at The Midland pub, then Redz Bar where they played pool. Gregory hid a 12-inch kitchen knife down an alley before they left. After several hours, they grabbed a taxi to Chambersbury Lane near Bunker’s Park just before midnight.
As they walked and chatted, Gregory suddenly launched into the savage attack. Bethanie suffered serious injuries to her face and torso, including defence wounds on her hands and even lost a tooth. He covered her mouth, causing her to lose consciousness.
Miracle Escape and Arrest
Gregory ran home to his mother’s place in Leverstock Green to burn his clothes, hoping to wipe out evidence.
But Bethanie regained consciousness 15 minutes later, staggering to a nearby house for help, bleeding heavily and terrified. The occupant called emergency services, and police were on the scene within two minutes. Bethanie was rushed to hospital, fighting for her life.
Gregory was arrested less than two hours later, charged, and remanded in custody.
Victim Speaks Out
“I thought I would be safe. I trusted him completely. Even moments before, I felt comfortable with him,” Bethanie said. “The attack was sudden and terrifying. I thought I was going to die. Since then, I have nightmares and indescribable fear. I can never forgive him for trying to kill me and breaking my trust.”
Detective Constable Daniel Webb praised Bethanie’s bravery and condemned Gregory’s actions. “He told her she was his favourite cousin just moments before the attack. Gregory is dangerous and unpredictable. Hopefully, he will reflect on the pain he has caused during his sentence.”
Gregory will serve 14 years in prison, with at least two thirds behind bars before parole. He will also face an extended 4-year licence period upon release.
