Man jailed after stabbing in Torquay street attack
Simon Jefferies, 46, of Dukes Court, Paignton, has been jailed for 10 years after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a stabbing in Torquay.
A man has been jailed after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a stabbing in Torquay.
Simon Jefferies, 46, of Dukes Court, Paignton, appeared at Exeter Crown Court on October 21 2026.
He was sentenced to 10 years after previously pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent.
The court heard that at around 4.30pm on Friday, July 17, 2026, Jefferies and the victim were involved in a confrontation on Tor Hill Road, Torquay, outside a convenience store.
CCTV footage showed the pair becoming involved in an altercation before Jefferies retrieved a knife from a bag he had with him.
He then attempted to stab the victim several times before chasing him into the road.
The footage captured the victim clutching his stomach as the confrontation continued in the carriageway, causing vehicles to stop.
Members of the public witnessed the incident and one motorist left his vehicle to try and separate the two men.
Following the attack, Jefferies fled the area.
Officers launched an immediate search and, with assistance from the police helicopter, tracked and located Jefferies near Crownhill Park, Torquay, where he was arrested.
The victim was taken to Torbay Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
He underwent surgery which identified six perforations.
Medical evidence found the injuries were consistent with being stabbed.
During searches, officers recovered clothing believed to have been worn by Jefferies during the incident, which were found to have blood staining.
However, despite extensive searches, the knife was not recovered.
Detective Sergeant Stu Sweatman said: "This was a violent attack carried out in broad daylight on a busy street in Torquay.”
"The CCTV footage clearly showed Jefferies arming himself with a knife and repeatedly attempting to stab the victim before pursuing him along the road.”
“The victim suffered injuries which required urgent surgery and could easily have been far more serious.”
“Thankfully he has since recovered from the physical injuries.”
"This sentence reflects the severity of the offence and demonstrates that carrying and using knives will not be tolerated.”
“We hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victim and the wider community."