Violent Confrontation in Broad Daylight
A brutal knife attack unfolded in a Tesco car park, leaving shoppers horrified and one man with multiple injuries. Pavel Stefanovic, 39, of Charnwood Road, Meir, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after pleading guilty to the shocking assault that took place on December 30, 2022.
The Attack That Horrified Shoppers
The court heard that the incident began inside the Tesco store at Meir Park, Stoke. The victim, who was shopping with his wife, recognised Stefanovic from a YouTube video and initiated a conversation. When the victim asked if Stefanovic would prefer to speak in Russian, the defendant's demeanour turned aggressive.
Prosecutor Jamie Scott detailed how Stefanovic suggested they continue their discussion outside. Once in the car park, Stefanovic, who was waiting for the couple, led them towards foliage at the perimeter. Concealed under his sleeve was a Stanley knife, which he revealed as the victim's back was turned.
The victim's wife screamed as Stefanovic swung the blade towards her husband's face. The victim defensively raised his hand, suffering a deep slash to his left palm. The attack continued, with Stefanovic stabbing the man's right forearm and right leg, and cutting his jacket. He then threatened to "cut the married couple into pieces" and kill them.
The assailant only began to move away when he noticed members of the public had witnessed the event and were likely calling the authorities. The entire ordeal, from the initial confrontation to his eventual retreat, lasted for more than 20 minutes.
Sentencing and Likely Deportation
Police arrived to find Stefanovic still brandishing the knife and making threats towards the victim and his family, who had since arrived at the scene. He was arrested after finally dropping the weapon. A second Stanley knife was discovered in his pocket during the arrest.
The victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for several injuries, including:
- A 2cm laceration to his left hand requiring stitches
- A puncture wound to his right forearm
- A cut to his right finger
- A cut to his right knee
Judge Richard McConaghy emphasised the seriousness of the offence, stating it warranted immediate imprisonment. He noted that Stefanovic had a previous conviction from Lithuania in 2006, where he was jailed for five years for grievous bodily harm involving a knife.
Stefanovic pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, two charges of possession of a bladed article in public, and failing to surrender to court. Mitigating factors, including the 289 days he spent on remand, were considered. However, the 29-month sentence means Stefanovic is now likely to be deported to Lithuania. A deprivation order was made for both knives used in the attack.
