A homeless man has been handed a life sentence for a vicious attack that left a refugee fighting for his life after being stabbed in the neck on a Bournemouth street.
Lewis Stoughton, 27, launched the brutal assault on his 30-year-old victim in the coastal town last September, leaving the refugee with life-threatening injuries that required emergency surgery.
Violent Street Confrontation
The court heard how Stoughton approached the refugee near a local supermarket and engaged in a heated argument before the situation escalated dramatically. Without warning, Stoughton produced a knife and stabbed the man in the neck in what prosecutors described as a "shocking and unprovoked attack."
Emergency services rushed to the scene where paramedics found the victim bleeding heavily from the neck wound. He was immediately transported to hospital for emergency life-saving treatment.
Life-Threatening Injuries
The refugee, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered catastrophic injuries in the attack. Medical professionals confirmed the neck wound came dangerously close to major arteries, with surgeons performing emergency operations to save his life.
Despite surviving the ordeal, the victim continues to suffer from both physical and psychological trauma from the harrowing incident.
Justice Served at Bournemouth Crown Court
Judge Susan Evans KC delivered the sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court, stating that Stoughton posed a "significant risk of serious harm" to the public. The life sentence carries a minimum term of seven years and eight months before parole consideration.
"This was a brutal and senseless attack on a vulnerable member of our community," Judge Evans remarked during sentencing.
Community Impact and Police Response
Detective Constable Katherine Biddle, the investigating officer, stated: "This was a horrific incident that left the victim with life-changing injuries. The swift investigation and subsequent sentence demonstrate that such violent behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities."
The case has highlighted concerns about street violence in coastal towns and the vulnerability of refugee communities in the UK.
