Man who repeatedly stabbed sleeping victim in the leg, sentenced to prison

A man has been sentenced to over eight years in prison after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm after repeatedly stabbing his victim in the leg in an unprovoked attack.

Charlie Pitcairn, 24, of no fixed address, was today (19 June) sentenced to eight years and 8 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court.

The attack took place at an address on Border Road, Haslemere, on 22 April and involved Charlie entering the address, stabbing his victim five times in the thigh as he slept, and then fleeing the scene.

Charlie, who the Judge described as a 'highly dangerous' individual, then went on the run, triggering an extensive search by officers including drones, search dogs, and the police helicopter. After two days Charlie handed himself into police. The victim and Charlie were known to each other.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable Claire Little, said; "“This was an unprovoked and frenzied attack on a man who was sleeping. This could have easily had a much more tragic outcome, so we hope that the quick resolution of this case reassures our local residents that this awful behaviour is not tolerated in our county, and we will do whatever we can to bring offenders to justice."