Late-Night Stabbing - Stevenage 2017

Man Jailed for Seven Years for Stevenage Flat Stabbing

A man was jailed for seven years on Friday, 3 November 2017, for a late-night stabbing at a Stevenage flat after a drinking session.

Roy O'Donoghue, aged 36, of Ditchmore Lane, Stevenage, attacked the victim who was living at the address in Spencer Way. He had gone there on 9 April 2016 with co-defendant Pearce McGinnity, who had previously lived at the property.

The Attack

St Albans Crown Court heard they had gone to the flat to collect Mr McGinnity's belongings after the woman whose flat it was had asked him to leave. The victim, Jay Williams, was present at the flat when the two men arrived late at night.

During the violent incident, the victim was punched, struck on the head with a Corona beer bottle, and then stabbed multiple times. Mr Williams received medical treatment in the street before being taken to hospital where he was treated for six lacerations.

Prosecutor Daniel Higgins presented CCTV evidence to the jury which showed Mr Williams calling at a neighbouring address for help. Members of the public stayed with him until paramedics arrived.

The Trial

Roy O'Donoghue was found not guilty of attempted murder after trial, but was found guilty of the alternative charge of wounding with intent – a serious violent offence under Section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act.

Co-defendant Pearce McGinnity, aged 27, of Parkers Field, Stevenage, was found not guilty of both attempted murder and wounding with intent charges.

The Defence

During police interviews, O'Donoghue claimed that blood found on his jeans was caused by him falling off his bike at the rear of Stevenage's Pets at Home store. He said that after the bike fall he had "gone in and out of consciousness" and his head had been "all over the place."

He admitted knowing Mr McGinnity as they were both Celtic football fans, but claimed he did not know Jay Williams and knew nothing about the attack carried out on him. O'Donoghue said he had just been drinking all day on the Saturday.

In a police interview, Mr McGinnity denied delivering four punches to Jay Williams before allegedly telling O'Donoghue to carry out the attack.

Context

Robbie Weber, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said this case demonstrates the serious consequences of violent confrontations, particularly when weapons are involved.

The incident occurred during a period when Hertfordshire was experiencing rising levels of knife crime and violent offences. The case highlights how disputes over seemingly minor matters – in this case, collecting belongings from a former residence – can escalate into serious violence when alcohol is involved.

Victim Impact

Jay Williams suffered significant physical injuries requiring hospital treatment for six lacerations to his back. The psychological impact of such a violent attack, being beaten with a bottle and stabbed in his own home, would have been profound.

The fact that Mr Williams managed to escape the property and seek help from neighbours likely saved his life. The swift response of members of the public who stayed with him until paramedics arrived was crucial.

Sentencing

At St Albans Crown Court on Friday, 3 November 2017, Roy O'Donoghue was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for wounding with intent. Section 18 offences carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and are reserved for the most serious violent attacks.

The sentence reflects the gravity of the attack – which involved multiple weapons (fists, a beer bottle, and a knife) and resulted in significant injury to the victim. The court would have considered the premeditated nature of going to the flat late at night and the sustained nature of the violence.

Significance

This case is part of a broader pattern of knife crime incidents in Stevenage and Hertfordshire during 2016-2017. It demonstrates several concerning trends:

• Violence escalating from disputes over minor matters
• The dangerous combination of alcohol and confrontation
• Use of multiple weapons in a single attack
• Late-night incidents in residential areas
• Victims being attacked in their own homes or places they considered safe

The conviction sends a clear message that those who carry out serious violent attacks will face significant prison sentences, even when the most serious charge of attempted murder is not proven.