Police update over woman arrested for attempted murder after Portsmouth street stabbing

Gary Baldacchino, 39, of London Road, Portsmouth, was found guilty after trial of unlawful wounding and possession of a knife/blade in a public place following the “savage” attack in front of horrified locals.

He was arrested and charged after a 53-year-old man was knifed in the stomach at 12.32pm on Wednesday 5 February on Kingston Road, near to Kingston Crescent. Police later revealed the man was in a “serious but stable” condition.

Baldacchino was sent to Portsmouth Crown Court for trial before being found guilty last month having denied the offences. He was due to be sentenced today but it has been adjourned to a date yet to be fixed.

The case also involved an 18-year-old woman from Portsmouth who was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to murder before being bailed. Now police, giving an update on her have said: “Following a thorough investigation she has been released with no further action.”

The incident, which was captured on camera, prompted a massive police response at the scene before the victim was taken to hospital for treatment for an injury to his stomach - which was initially described by police as “serious” and “potentially life threatening”.

A social media video which recorded the incident showed a scrap involving two men - one of whom was brandishing a knife - before another man nearby was stabbed by Baldacchino. Police said the man involved in the initial altercation “was not injured”.

A 23-year-old man, 50-year-old woman and a 19-year-old-woman all from Portsmouth who were originally arrested as part of police enquiries were released with no further action.