Gary Baldacchino has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of a serious knife attack in Portsmouth that left a 53-year-old man with life-threatening injuries.
The 40-year-old from London Road was found guilty of wounding with intent and possessing a bladed weapon following a trial in August. He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 25 November for sentencing.
Police were alerted at 12.32pm on Wednesday 5 February to reports of an assault on Kingston Road, near Kingston Crescent. Emergency services discovered a man suffering from a severe knife wound to his abdomen.
The victim required immediate hospital treatment for his life-threatening injury. Officers from the Eastern Criminal Investigations Department launched an investigation, leading to Baldacchino’s arrest and subsequent charges.
The jury delivered guilty verdicts on both counts. In addition to the four-year custodial sentence, the court imposed an extended licence period of one year.
Portsmouth Chief Inspector Sam Warne welcomed the outcome, describing Baldacchino as “a dangerous individual.”
“I am glad to see him behind bars for this violent attack, which he committed in a busy public area in broad daylight,” Chief Inspector Warne stated.
“This was understandably a very concerning incident for the community and I am glad that we have taken someone who poses a risk to the public off of the streets.”
The senior officer emphasised that knife crime would not be tolerated in Portsmouth. “I hope this sentence sends a clear message to those who choose to carry a knife or commit acts of serious violence in our city that we will not tolerate this behaviour. You will be pursued and you will be brought before the courts.”
Chief Inspector Warne also highlighted the force’s collaborative approach with partners to manage potential reoffenders, identifying individuals involved in knife-related offences and offering engagement opportunities whilst pursuing prosecution when necessary.
