Man Charged Following Violent Disorder on M6 Toll Coach
A man has been charged with multiple serious offences after a coach passenger was allegedly stabbed on the M6 Toll motorway near Cannock. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 15, led to a significant emergency response and has resulted in legal proceedings.
Details of the Incident and Charges
Staffordshire Police reported that they were called to the M6 Toll southbound between junctions T7 and T8 at approximately 8:15 am following reports of violence. A man sustained an injury to his shoulder during the disorder, which was described as a stabbing. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transported to hospital via land ambulance. He has since been discharged, with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Lee Pountain, 41, of Hexham in Northumberland, has been charged with section 18 – wounding with intent and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Pountain is scheduled to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Tuesday, February 17, to face these charges.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The emergency response involved multiple agencies, including Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service. According to a spokesperson for the ambulance service, they were alerted at 8:12 am on Sunday to reports of a stabbing on a coach. Resources dispatched included an ambulance, a paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma team, and a Midlands Air Ambulance, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and they are working to gather further evidence related to the violent disorder. The charges reflect the severity of the alleged offences, with wounding with intent being a particularly grave accusation under UK law.
Context and Implications
This incident underscores concerns about safety on major transport routes like the M6 Toll, a key motorway in the West Midlands region. Violent disorders on public transport can disrupt travel and pose risks to passengers and staff. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The quick response from emergency services likely prevented more severe outcomes, and the victim's discharge from hospital is a positive note in an otherwise distressing event. As the case moves to court, it will be closely watched by local communities and transport officials alike.
