Vicious yob who almost killed a man during botched shed burglary in Portsmouth is jailed

Thuggish Charlie McGowan launched his attack after he was caught red-handed trying to break into a shed in Kingston Crescent, in North End, Portsmouth, on August 13.

Now the 21-year-old, of Drummond Road, Landport, has been found guilty of Section 18 GBH and burglary after previously pleading guilty to the burglary and a lesser charge of Section 20 GBH.

He was jailed for nine years following a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court today.

Speaking after the sentencing, officer in charge of the case DC Steve Tuck said: ‘This senseless act of violence could have easily resulted in the death of a man. Fortunately, following emergency surgery, he survived the attack and has recovered well.’

During his trial, the court heard how McGowan had attempted to break into the shed during an afternoon raid.

The owner of the shed, a man in his 30s, disturbed the break-in and McGowan initially fled the property.

However, once outside of the garden, McGowan stabbed the victim in the neck with a screwdriver in a nearby parking area.

The victim was transported to Southampton General Hospital where he underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries. He has since recovered from his injuries.

The court heard how a quick response from attending officers saw the arrest of McGowan, who had fled the scene, within 15 minutes of the incident being reported to them.

Upon sentence, Recorder Louise Harvey commended a passer-by for ‘for stepping in and administering first aid whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive, which very likely saved the victim’s life’.

DC Tuck added: ‘I am grateful for the quick work of the officers who ensured McGowan was taken into custody on the same afternoon and I am pleased with this sentence today.

‘We must also give thanks to the member of the public who was first on the scene and administered first aid to the victim prior to police arriving, which almost certainly saved his life.

‘I hope that this sentence provides closure to the victim of this violent and distressing attack, as well as reassurance to the wider public that offences like this one won’t be tolerated.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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