Knife thug jailed for 13 years after vicious alley attack in Stalybridge
Brutal stabbing outside Mottram Road shop
Homeless Tony Combs launched a savage attack on an innocent man outside a shop on Mottram Road, Stalybridge, on the evening of Sunday 21st June 2020. The victim had just left a friend’s house and was walking home when Combs confronted him.
Without warning, Combs shoved the man into a nearby alleyway and demanded his possessions. When the victim tried to escape, Combs stabbed him in the left side of his back.
Victim left fighting for life
The victim collapsed as Combs relentlessly kicked and punched him in the head. Emergency services rushed the victim to hospital, where surgeons had to operate to remove the knife blade. The victim is now battling both physical injuries and lasting mental trauma.
Justice served at Manchester Crown Court
Combs pleaded guilty to section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article at an earlier hearing. Today, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court sentenced him to a hefty 13 years behind bars.
Police praise victim’s bravery
“Firstly, I want to commend the bravery of the victim of this horrific incident as his full support throughout this investigation has ensured we have been able to secure a lengthy conviction,” said Detective Constable Rick McIvor from GMP’s Tameside Operation Challenger Team.
“This was a completely senseless and violent attack on an innocent member of the public who had simply been visiting a friend and was on his way home.”
“I am pleased that Combs has received a custodial sentence today, as he very much deserves to be jailed for this attack, which has left the victim with lasting mental and physical trauma. I hope today provides at least a small sense of justice and allows his victim to continue to move on with his life knowing this dangerous man has been removed from our streets.”
