Current timestamp: 19/07/2025 15:37:54
AgeAlertAnonymousAppealsApplicationsApply Or RegisterArea OutlineArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpAutomatic DoorsBack ArrowBusinessCalendarCashArrow DownArrow LeftArrow RightArrow Down[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-chrome' for 'English (United Kingdom)']ClockCloseContactDirectionsDocumentDownloadDrawDrugExpandExternal LinkFacebookFb CommentFb LikeFiletype DefaultFiletype DocFiletype PdfFiletype PptFiletype XlsFinance[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-firefox' for 'English (United Kingdom)']First AidFlickrFraudGive FeedbackGlobeGuide DogHealthHearing ImpairedInduction LoopInfoInstagramIntercom[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-internet-explorer' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LaptopLiftLinkedinLocal Activity[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-location' for 'English (United Kingdom)']LoudspeakerLow CounterMailMapMap PinMembershipMenuMenu 2[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-microsoft-edge' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Missing PeopleMobility ImpairmentNationalityNorth PointerOne Mile RadiusOverviewPagesPaper PlaneParkingPdfPhonePinterestPlayPushchairRefreshReportRequestRestart[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-rotate-clockwise' for 'English (United Kingdom)']Rss[Missing text '/SvgIcons/Symbols/Titles/icon-safari' for 'English (United Kingdom)']SearchShareSign LanguageSnapchatStart AgainStatsStats And Prevention AdviceStopSubscribeTargetTattosTell Us AboutTickTumblrTwenty Four HoursTwitter LikeTwitter ReplyTwitter RetweetUploadVisually ImpairedWhatsappWheelchairWheelchair AssistedWheelchair ParkingWheelchair RampWheelchair WcYoutubeZoom InZoom Out

Leave this site

Cookies

We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.

You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.

Accept cookies Reject cookies Customise cookies

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.

Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.

Skip to main content

Skip to main navigation

Welcome

This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.

Show me the site

Go to Hampshire Constabulary homepage

  • Back to Report

    • Crime
    • Domestic abuse
    • Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences
    • Road traffic incident
    • Report antisocial behaviour
    • Missing person
    • Fraud
    • Spiking
    • Stalking or harassment
    • Lost or found property
    • Lost or stolen vehicles
    • Hate crime
  • Back to Tell us about

    • Tell us about possible terrorist activity
    • How to tell us about something you've seen or heard
    • An existing case or report
    • A procession or event you are planning
    • Filming
  • Back to Apply or register

    • Careers and volunteering
    • Charity collection licences
    • Compensation for victims of crime
    • Firearm, shotgun or explosives certificate
    • Attend a misconduct hearing
  • Back to Request

    • A collision report
    • Intellectual property (IP) licence
    • Compensation for something the police have done
    • Your fingerprints
    • Information: about the police, about yourself or someone else
    • Request an update
  • Back to Thanks and complaints

    • Feedback about the website
    • Complaints
    • Say thanks
  • Your area
  1. ...
  2. News

Portsmouth man sentenced to nine years in prison after seriously assaulting a man with a screwdriver

Main article content

News
Published: 12:53 26/03/2021

A Portsmouth man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for an assault in which he stabbed a man in the neck with a screwdriver last summer.

Charlie McGowan, 21, of Drummond Road, Portsmouth, was found guilty of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm and burglary after previously pleading guilty to the burglary and guilty to a lesser charge of Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm.

He appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Friday 26 March) for sentencing.

During McGowan’s trial, the court heard how on the afternoon of Thursday 13 August 2020, he attempted to break into a shed on Kingston Crescent.

The owner of the shed, a man in his 30s, disturbed the break-in and McGowan initially left the property.

However, once outside of the garden, McGowan stabbed the victim in the neck with a screwdriver in a nearby parking area.

The victim was transported to Southampton General Hospital where he underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries. He has since recovered from his injuries.

The court heard how a quick response from attending officers saw the arrest of McGowan, who had fled the scene, within 15 minutes of the incident being reported to them.

Upon sentence, her Honour Recorder Louise Harvey commended a passer-by for “for stepping in and administering first aid whilst waiting for emergency services to arrive, which very likely saved the victim’s life.”

Speaking after the sentencing, officer in charge of the case DC Steve Tuck said: “This senseless act of violence could have easily resulted in the death of a man. Fortunately, following emergency surgery, he survived the attack and has recovered well.

“I am grateful for the quick work of the officers who ensured McGowan was taken into custody on the same afternoon and I am pleased with this sentence today.

“We must also give thanks to the member of the public who was first on the scene and administered first aid to the victim prior to police arriving, which almost certainly saved his life.

“I hope that this sentence provides closure to the victim of this violent and distressing attack, as well as reassurance to the wider public that offences like this one won’t be tolerated.”

Share

Footer navigation

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary

  • Contact us
  • News
  • Press
  • About us
  • Procurement
  • Campaigns
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookies
  • Terms and conditions
  • Accessibility

Information and services

  • Advice and information
  • Crime prevention
  • Stats and data
  • Accessing information (FOI)
  • Report
  • Tell us about
  • Apply or register
  • Request
  • Feedback

Partners

  • Police.uk
  • Ask the police
  • Police & Crime Commissioner

Follow us on:

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.