Skip to content

Man 'lucky' not to have killed stranger he stabbed

BBC An exterior view of Exeter Crown Court. The building is white with large windows and a black sign which says 'Exeter Law Courts' in white writing.BBC
James Lammas, of Belvedere Road, Ilfracombe, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison

A 56-year-old man who launched an unprovoked knife attack on a stranger was fortunate not to have killed him, a judge has said.

James Lammas, of Belvedere Road, Ilfracombe, stabbed a 33-year-old man multiple times on the high street in the north Devon town in September 2024.

At Exeter Crown Court, Lammas admitted wounding with intent and was jailed for three years and four months.

Judge Anna Richardson said "such an unprovoked attack would be terrifying" for the victim.

The court heard Lammas admit he "went a bit far" as he went to help a girl who he thought the victim was attacking or having a heated row with.

The victim needed hospital treatment and said he was suffering panic attacks and flashbacks.

The court also heard Lammas, who has complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), had drunk alcohol and used cannabis and Valium before the incident.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links