A Petersfield man has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after a jury found he stabbed another man in the neck during a serious assault on Cranford Road.
Police responded to emergency calls shortly before 12:15pm on Thursday, 14th March 2024, following reports of a serious assault in Cranford Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 62-year-old man suffering from a stab wound to his neck. The victim was immediately transported to hospital by ambulance services.
Martin Copeland, 60, of Cranford Road, Petersfield, was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Following his arrest, Copeland was admitted to hospital after undergoing psychiatric evaluation.
Court Proceedings
In March 2025, Copeland appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court for a trial of facts to determine whether he had committed the act of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The proceedings took the form of a trial of facts because Copeland was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial due to his psychiatric condition. Under these circumstances, the jury was tasked with establishing the factual circumstances of the incident rather than determining guilt.
The jury concluded that Copeland had indeed committed the act of stabbing the victim.
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Sentencing
Following additional psychiatric assessments, Copeland returned to Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, 13th June, where he received his sentence.
The court imposed a Hospital Order without time restriction under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983, coupled with a Restriction Order under Section 41 of the same legislation.
This sentencing ensures that Copeland will remain under medical supervision for an indefinite period, with any future release subject to approval from relevant authorities.
