A man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after a stabbing incident in Amesbury last year. John Worrall, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on April 1 for grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
The Incident
The attack occurred on January 25, 2024, around 6:30 pm when the victim answered the door to his flat in Sandell Place. Worrall assaulted him with a chisel, leaving the victim with a 4cm slash laceration to his arm.
Following his guilty plea, Worrall was sentenced to 28 months in prison. In addition, he has been made the subject of a restraining order until April 2030 and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.
Victim’s Impact
In a statement read out in court, the victim described the lasting effects of the attack:
“It is now over a year on from the attack, but I still feel emotionally traumatised from it and have some lasting physical damage to my arm.
“The physical injury to my arm has healed, but I am left with a scar around my left wrist/forearm. I attended five physio appointments, but due to the tendon damage, my full movement has not returned. I struggle to bend my wrist forward, and when I make a fist, it is impossible to bend my wrist. My fingers have better movement, but they get stiff and lock very often. I have pain in my wrist and forearm every day.”
Police Statement
Acting Detective Inspector David Hambly, from the South CID, condemned the attack, saying:
This incident was a disgusting act of violence in which a weapon was used to cause a serious injury to the victim in their own home.
I would like to commend the bravery of both the victim and the witnesses in this case in supporting our investigation into what must have been a traumatic and horrifying experience for them.
“I welcome the custodial sentence in this case and want to make it clear that this kind of violence has no place in our communities. We will ensure the perpetrators of such abhorrent behaviour are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Community Support
Wiltshire Police are reminding the public that if they have been the victim of a crime, they should report it by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or via their website. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
The sentencing has been welcomed by the local community, with many expressing relief that justice has been served for the violent attack. The victim continues to receive support as he recovers from both the physical and emotional impacts of the incident.
