Westcliff man jailed after stabbing left victim with life-changing injuries
Oliver Champion was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison
Last updated 22nd Jul 2026
A man who carried out a stabbing in Westcliff that left his victim with life-changing injuries has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
20-year-old Oliver Champion pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possessing a knife after the attack on 8 November last year.
His younger brother, 18-year-old Oscar Champion, also admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Both brothers were sentenced at the same court on Friday 17 July.
The incident took place at around 8.30pm on Station Road, Westcliff, where officers discovered a man suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was left with critical injuries and continues to experience the long-term impact of the attack.
Investigators discovered footage showing Oliver Champion leaving his home in Palmerston Road, close to where the attack happened. His distinctive dog was also seen following him, providing further evidence linking him to the incident.
CCTV later captured Oliver and Oscar Champion pursuing the victim on foot. The victim fell against a wall after tripping at the end of Palmerston Road, before the brothers carried out the assault.
The attack ended when a member of the public noticed what was happening and repeatedly sounded their car horn, causing the pair to run away.
Following the stabbing, Oliver Champion attempted to avoid being arrested by turning off his phone, staying away from his home address and making arrangements to leave Essex.
Officers from Southend CID, supported by Southend’s Proactive Problem Solving Team within the Neighbourhood Policing Team, carried out a search to find him.
Four days later, on the evening of 12 November, police located him at an address in Southend. Officers positioned themselves around the property, with teams covering both the front and rear exits.
When police forced entry, Champion tried to escape but was stopped by an officer who challenged him with a Taser before making the arrest.
Further enquiries identified Oscar Champion as being involved in the attack, and he was arrested on 19 November.
At sentencing, Oliver Champion was handed a seven-and-a-half-year prison term.
Oscar Champion was given an 18-month community order, along with 50 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Sergeant Alex Farr, from Southend Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
"This was a determined effort to track down a dangerous offender who believed he could avoid justice.
"Thanks to the persistence of officers and the strength of the evidence gathered, Oliver Champion was identified, located and brought before the courts.
"The victim suffered life-changing injuries as a result of this attack. Our thoughts remain with him as he continues his recovery.
"Knife crime can have devastating consequences for victims, families and communities.
“We will continue to pursue those who carry and use weapons, while working with partners to prevent violence and steer young people away from offending."
Police said the case highlights the impact of knife crime and their continued efforts to identify and prosecute those involved in serious violence.