Two jailed after man stabbed eight times in Plymouth street
34 year old Tommy McTighe, and 35-year-old Gemma Vanstone have been jailed for a total of 14-and-a-half years
Two people have been jailed for a total of 14-and-a-half years after a man was stabbed eight times during a violent attack in Plymouth.
Tommy McTighe, 34, of North Down Crescent, Plymouth, and 35-year-old Gemma Vanstone, of Valletort Road, Plymouth, lured the man out of his home on 25th March 2024 in a premeditated plan to attack him.
The court that McTighe and Vanstone travelled to Hotham Place in the stoke area of the city in a black Mercedes, with Vanstone concealed in the car’s boot.
The pair, and a third unidentified person, equipped themselves with weapons from the car before entering a rear service lane between Molesworth Road and Hotham Place.
McTighe hid out of sight and instructed Vanstone to call the victim, a man in his 50s, under the pretence of making a drug deal.
But when the victim arrived he was immediately set upon. He was struck multiple times with the weapons while Vanstone demanded the drugs.
The court heard how the metal bar used by McTighe was left bent at one end due to the force inflicted.
The victim was stabbed eight times around his body while he lay on the ground screaming for the attack to stop.
The attackers fled back to the car and despite his severe injuries, the victim managed to stagger to Molesworth Road, where he collapsed.
A passing taxi driver discovered him lying covered in blood and contacted emergency services.
The court heard that the Mercedes was later seen driving past with an occupant shouting, "Is he dead yet?"
Firearms and local officers attended the scene and began an area search for the suspects. The Mercedes was found at the rear of Keyham Road a short time later.
McTighe emerged from the back of the address and was detained two hours after the offence, with officers later recovering the car keys, a metal bar, and a quantity of drugs from the vehicle.
Blood matching the victim’s was also found at McTighe’s home.
Vanstone was arrested at her home on 28 March 2024 after being found hiding from officers under a bed. The pair were later charged.
Both individuals denied the attack and McTighe, aged 34, of North Down Crescent, Plymouth, and 35-year-old Vanstone of Valletort Road, Plymouth, were both convicted of Section 18 GBH wounding with intent following a trial in September.
McTighe also pleaded not guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place but admitted possession of a Class A drug, namely crack cocaine. He was convicted of both offences.
During sentencing at Plymouth Crown Court today (November 21) McTighe received a nine-year prison sentence, while Vanstone was handed a five-and-a-half-year prison term.
Detective Constable Rose, officer in the case, said: “This was an extremely violent and senseless attack which left the victim with numerous serious injuries that were initially feared to be life-threatening.
“The outcome today reflects the dedication and professionalism of all officers involved in the investigation in ensuring those responsible have been brought to justice.
“Violence of this nature has no place in our communities and we hope that this result provides some reassurance to the public.
“It is also important to note that, while the victim in this case was not supportive of a prosecution, the conviction demonstrates the zero-tolerance approach Devon & Cornwall Police takes to knife and violent crime.”