Violent Confrontation at Supermarket Car Park
A Lithuanian migrant has been sentenced to prison following a terrifying knife attack on a married couple in a Tesco car park in Stoke-on-Trent. Pavel Stefanovic, 39, threatened to dismember and kill the pair during a prolonged confrontation that lasted approximately 20 minutes.
How the Attack Unfolded
The incident began on the afternoon of December 30, 2022, at the Tesco store in Meir Park. The court heard that the victim, who was shopping with his wife, recognised Stefanovic from a YouTube video and initiated a conversation. The situation escalated when Stefanovic became aggressive and suggested they continue their discussion outside.
Once in the car park, Stefanovic, of Charnwood Road, Meir, lured the couple towards some foliage. It was there that he revealed a Stanley knife he had concealed under his sleeve. As the victim's wife screamed, Stefanovic swung the blade towards the man's face.
The victim raised his hand in defence, resulting in a deep slash to his left palm. Stefanovic proceeded to stab the man's right forearm and right leg, also cutting his jacket. Throughout the assault, he repeatedly threatened to 'cut the married couple into pieces and to kill them'.
Sentencing and Deportation
The court was informed that Stefanovic only dropped his weapon when police arrived after more than 20 minutes of brandishing the knife. A second Stanley knife was found in his pocket during his arrest. The victim required hospital treatment for multiple wounds, including a 2cm laceration on his hand that needed stitches.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Stefanovic had a previous conviction from 2006 in Lithuania, where he received a five-year sentence for grievous bodily harm involving a knife.
Judge Richard McConaghy sentenced Stefanovic to 29 months in prison after he admitted to unlawful wounding, two counts of possessing a bladed article in public, and failing to surrender to court. The judge noted the 'persistent incident' caused 'serious alarm or distress' and made a deprivation order for both knives.
Due to the sentence length and his foreign national status, Stefanovic is now liable for automatic deportation to Lithuania upon completion of his prison term. The judge confirmed he would be taken to Lithuania to serve his sentence.
