Man jailed for 10 years after Torquay stabbing
Simon Jefferies, 46, has been sentenced after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent
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 21st October where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
He had previously pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court heard that at around 4.30pm on Friday 17th July 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 a fight.
Jefferies then took a knife from a bag he had with him and tried 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 what happened and one motorist left his vehicle to try to separate the two men.
Jefferies fled the area after the attack.
Officers launched an immediate search and, with help from the police helicopter, tracked him down near Crownhill Park, Torquay, where he was arrested.
The victim was taken to Torbay Hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
He underwent surgery, which identified six perforations.
Medical evidence found the injuries were consistent with being stabbed.
Officers recovered clothing believed to have been worn by Jefferies during the attack, which was found to have blood staining.
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."