A man has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after admitting the attempted murder of a stranger in a forecourt shop in Bristol.
Paul Miller, 53, from Bristol, walked into the Morrisons Daily shop in Hengrove Way at about 7.30am on Thursday 9 September 2021 and carried out the unprovoked attack.
The victim, who was stabbed in his chest, right armpit, right forearm and lower back with a kitchen knife, managed to flee the shop and was driven from the scene by a friend. He was attended to by the ambulance service in a nearby street and taken to hospital.
He has physically recovered but the attack has had a significant impact on his health and wellbeing.
When Miller turned his attention to store staff they barricaded themselves in a back room and were able to escape unharmed.
Miller was arrested at 9.55am by armed police, supported by a police dog and handler.
At Bristol Crown Court today, a judge sentenced him to an indefinite hospital order.
The judge commended two firearms officers for their bravery in responding to the incident, calling them a “credit” to policing. He said it was a pleasure for a judge to commend any officers who protect themselves, fellow officers and members of the public from great risk.
Detective Inspector Mark Newbury said: “This was an awful ordeal for the victim who, despite being severely injured, managed to escape from the petrol station following the attack on him.
“We’d like to thank him for supporting our investigation and for providing evidence which has greatly assisted justice being served.
“It’s important to praise the thoroughly professional and brave actions of the officers who were first on the scene, including armed officers, who were able to safely detain the defendant and prevent any further harm being caused.
“Following the incident, a detailed and thorough investigation was carried out by CID officers, resulting in overwhelming evidence being gathered, culminating in this conviction.”
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