Preston shoplifter jailed for stabbing security guard during city centre escape
A shoplifter who stabbed a security guard as he fled from a store near to Preston city centre, has been sentenced to 22 years and six months
A man has been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison after stabbing a security guard while fleeing a store just outside Preston city centre.
Andrzej Mikulski, aged 27 and of no fixed address, attacked the guard outside B&M Bargains on Carlisle Street on 26th February with a kitchen knife as he tried to escape with stolen goods.
According to details heard in court, the security guard—who is in his 40s—followed Mikulski from the store after he walked out with a basket of items without paying.
Outside the shop, Mikulski stabbed the guard in the thigh, causing significant injuries.
Three police officers who responded to the emergency provided life-saving first aid using tourniquets to stem the bleeding.
The victim was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital and underwent emergency surgery, with surgeons later confirming that the knife had only narrowly missed passing all the way through his thigh.
Arrest and evidence
Just 45 minutes after the stabbing, armed officers patrolling Preston city centre stopped Mikulski on Edward Street.
He was found with blood stains on his hands and clothing, and had a backpack containing the kitchen knife used in the attack.
His description and clothing matched several witness accounts from outside B&M Bargains.
Court records show this stabbing was the culmination of a spree of offending carried out by Mikulski in Preston over 25th and 26th February.
He had previously stolen a rucksack with a laptop from Market Offices on Early Street after threatening staff with a knife and carried out thefts from multiple shops as well as stealing a bike.
Sentencing details
Mikulski was found guilty by a jury of wounding with intent at Preston Crown Court in August.
He had already pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery, three counts of possessing a knife in public, and four counts of theft.
At his sentencing hearing on 20th October, Mikulski—who refused to appear in the dock—was jailed for 22 years and 6 months for wounding with intent.
He will serve concurrent terms for his other offences and must complete at least 17 years before he can be considered for parole.
Mikulski has been in custody since his arrest in February.
Police response
Detective Constable Alex Akers of Preston CID said: “Andrzej Mikulski was prepared to use a knife to stab a man and inflict an horrendous injury on a security guard, all for the sake of escaping with a basket of goods which he had stolen from B&M Bargains.
"Had it not been for the actions of the police officers and paramedics at the scene, and then the skill of the surgeons, an innocent man might well have lost his life.
"Mikulski committed several offences over a two-day period in February, culminating in the stabbing.
"I welcome the prison sentence passed on him, which means a violent man will be off the streets for a long period of time.
"The evidence presented in court to secure his conviction was compiled by a dedicated investigation team.”