A man was viciously stabbed multiple times outside a busy Tesco supermarket in Staffordshire, sparking panic among shoppers. Pavel Stefanovic launched the brutal attack after a brief conversation with a fellow Lithuanian inside the Meir Park Tesco store.
Violence Erupts in Car Park
The victim and Stefanovic moved outside to the car park, where the attacker pulled out a concealed Stanley knife and slashed at the man’s hand, arm, legs, and nose. Witnesses described the victim’s wife screaming in terror as Stefanovic swung the blade.
Police arrived after a tense 20-minute standoff, finding Stefanovic still brandishing the knife and threatening to kill. A second Stanley knife was discovered in his pocket.
Jailed and Facing Deportation
Stefanovic, 39, from Meir, was jailed for 29 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. The sentence likely means he will be deported back to Lithuania. Prosecutors revealed Stefanovic had a previous 5-year sentence in Lithuania for grievous bodily harm involving a knife.
Judge Condemns the “Serious and Persistent” Attack
“You swung a knife at the victim’s face, cutting his hand, stabbing his arm and leg, and caused multiple wounds,” said Judge Richard McConaghy. “This was a persistent incident that caused serious alarm and distress in a busy public place.”
