Motive for station knife attack 'never explained'

A 22-year-old who admitted stabbing his victim at a West Sussex railway station in front of horrified commuters has never explained the "completely unprovoked" attack, according to police.

Jason McDonagh, of no fixed address, was handed a four-year prison sentence at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday for attacking a man at the station in Bognor Regis.

He had pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article in a public place in relation to the stabbing in November.

British Transport Police Det Con Christopher May said McDonagh had "never explained his actions on that day" and was "only loosely known to the victim".

The victim was staying with a friend when McDonagh arrived, hours before the attack, and behaved aggressively before falling asleep, according to police.

Officers said the victim and his friend left the flat at about 08:20 GMT but McDonagh remained, despite having been asked to leave.

McDonagh then appeared from an alleyway and threw a glass bottle and kitchen knife at the victim, before chasing him towards the station with knives in both hands.

He then attacked the victim in the station forecourt. He was then rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to a deep wound on his arm, according to the force.

May said the attack happened "in front of horrified commuters who were going about their days" and seconds after schoolchildren were escorted into the station by teachers.

"I'm pleased to see McDonagh receive a significant custodial sentence that recognises both the physical and psychological harm he caused to the victim, and the shock and concern he caused to the community," he said.

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