A brutal knife attack in Preston has ended with a 22-year-old handed a massive 30-year sentence. Cristinel Gogalea slashed a man in his 40s multiple times in a terrifying assault last July.
Gruesome Assault at Arnhem Road Flat
The victim was found covered in blood on New Hall Lane after the attack at a flat on Arnhem Road. He suffered slash wounds to his head, back, chest, elbow, and foot — plus a punctured lung. Emergency services rushed him to hospital where he needed surgery. The injured man told police he was asleep when he heard noises outside his first-floor flat. Upon opening the door, Gogalea barged in and launched the savage attack. Terrified for his life, the victim managed to flee the flat.
Evidence and Arrest Follow Knife Rampage
- Police were called just after midnight on 15 July by a passerby who spotted the bloodied victim.
- Officers quickly found a five-inch slash wound to the top of the victim’s head.
- A discarded mobile phone in the flat’s kitchen linked Gogalea to the attack.
- CCTV showed four people fleeing the scene, one armed with a machete-like weapon.
- Gogalea was arrested minutes later after a car stop in Preston.
Gogalea and Family Face Justice
Gogalea, formerly of Wilbraham Street, Preston, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in January. Today at Preston Crown Court, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison plus a 5-year extended licence. He must serve two-thirds of his sentence before parole is possible. Gogalea’s mother, Rebeca Anitescu, 47, and stepfather, Marian Anitescu, 53, also faced court. Both admitted to helping Gogalea change clothes and arrange a getaway after the attack. They were jailed for 10 months and 23 months, respectively. This savage attack has shocked the local community and sent a clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated in Preston.
