Man jailed for vicious knife attack in Flitwick
David Butler was caught be a police dog after attacking another man
Last updated 24th Sep 2026
A man from Flitwick has been jailed for more than 15 years after he viciously attacked another man with a knife, leaving him with multiple stab wounds.
David Butler, 61, fled the scene, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries, but was arrested after a police dog located him hiding behind a bin shed.
The attack happened in The Hawthorns on 17 July 2025, when Butler was involved in an argument with another man. He then produced a knife and attacked the man, who sustained serious stab and slash wounds to his body, face and ear.
During his arrest, Butler’s bag was found to contain a blood stained towel, three knives and his passport.
Investigators searching his home found the washing machine mid-cycle, with clothes that were later confirmed to be those worn during the attack.
The search also highlighted several weapons including a machete, a sawn-off shotgun and multiple cartridges.
In January, Butler pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), two counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of a firearm.
At a Luton Crown Court hearing yesterday (23 September), he was sentenced to a concurrent term of 15 years and four months’ imprisonment for each count of GBH and a total of four and half years for weapons offences – also to be served concurrently.
Detective Constable Ellie Hall said: “Butler launched a vicious and sustained violent attack on his victim, continuing his assault despite being begged to stop. He then casually walked away from the scene leaving the victim bloodied in the street.
“Anyone capable of such remorseless actions has no place in our community and is deserving of a long custodial sentence.
“Officers arrived at the scene with very little details on Butler and where he fled to. But support from local residents, paired with the efforts of our specialist officers, ensured Butler was swiftly apprehended."