A violent offender who attempted to flee the country after stabbing two men and a woman in Dartford has been jailed for life.
Brutal Attack in Town Centre
Eric Da Silva-Soares, 29, carried out a knife attack on 31 August 2024 in Spital Street, Dartford, after becoming obsessed with a woman who did not reciprocate his feelings.
The woman, in her 20s, was with her partner and a friend when she was warned by a phone call that Da Silva-Soares was in town and had threatened to kill her if she did not leave her partner. Moments later, he approached carrying a bag, from which he pulled out a knife and launched a brutal attack.
Victims Suffered Serious Injuries
- The woman was stabbed in the stomach and arm.
- Her partner, who tried to protect her, was stabbed multiple times, including in the face.
- Their friend, who attempted to intervene, was stabbed in the back.
The victims escaped to a nearby fast food restaurant, where staff locked the doors to prevent Da Silva-Soares from following. He then fled the scene.
Escape Attempt and Arrest
Police launched urgent enquiries to track down Da Silva-Soares, who attempted to flee the country. On 1 September, he sent a text message to the woman admitting that his actions were “unforgivable”.
His escape attempt was thwarted on 2 September, when Kent Police detectives directed officers at Edinburgh Airport to detain him as he tried to board a flight.
Sentencing
Da Silva-Soares, of Wharfside Close, Erith, London, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to:
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Unlawful wounding
On Friday, 7 March 2025, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 12 years and 10 months before he can be considered for parole.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Lawry, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“This was an appalling, unprovoked assault on three young people enjoying a night out in Dartford. Da Silva-Soares came to the town armed with a knife, intent on violence, and inflicted shocking injuries.”
“The impact of the assaults will have a long-lasting effect on the victims. The two men who tried to tackle Da Silva-Soares showed immense bravery, and all three victims should be commended for their courage whilst assisting our investigation. Da Silva-Soares has shown himself to be a very dangerous individual, and it is only right that he is now starting a lengthy prison sentence.”
The case highlights the devastating consequences of knife crime and reinforces the commitment of law enforcement to bring violent offenders to justice.
