Man who stabbed American tourist in York sent to secure hospital
The 26-year-old was found unfit to stand trial because of his mental ill-health after the attack in October last year
Last updated 29th Jul 2026
A man who stabbed a 71-year-old American tourist in York has been sent to a secure psychiatric hospital.
Matthew McPherson, 26, of no fixed address, wasn't able to stand trial due to his mental ill-health.
Instead, the court ruled that he was responsible for stabbing the man and possessing two knives.
In the early hours of 9 October 2025, the victim was preparing to travel back to the USA after visiting York, when he accidentally locked himself out of his hotel.
While waiting to be let back inside, he was attacked from behind and stabbed in the stomach.
Police said McPherson then approached an ambulance crew already in the area and told them someone had been stabbed before cycling away.
He was arrested around an hour later after officers carried out a search across the city.
After explaining why they had stopped him, and that he matched a description of someone they were looking for, McPherson replied that he “was that person” and was just “cycling over to Fulford” (where York’s main police station is located).
Two kitchen knives were found on him, and forensic tests linked one of them to the attack.
The victim was left with a punctured liver and internal bleeding.
As well as his hospital order, McPherson has also been given a Section 41 restriction order.
This means he can't be discharged from hospital without the approval of the Secretary of State for Justice.
Detective Constable Alex Dorlin, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a shocking and frightening attack on an innocent member of the public bringing what was an enjoyable holiday in one of our most beautiful places, to a horrific end.
“Thankfully he survived his injuries and has since returned home to the USA. I would like to thank him for his support with the investigation during what must have been an extremely traumatic time for him.
“I hope Mr McPherson, who has been shown to be a serious risk to public safety, now gets the help he needs.”