Young man admits stabbing two people in neck at petrol station

The attack happened at the BP station in South Wigston
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A young man used a knife to stab two people in the neck shortly after he met them at a Bonfire Night celebration. Ellis Coulson attacked the men in the forecourt of the BP filling station in St Thomas Road, South Wigston, at about 11.25pm on Friday, November 3, last year.

Coulson, of no fixed address, had been due to go on trial for two counts of attempted murder at Leicester Crown Court today (Monday, September 23). However, at a hearing at the court this morning the 21-year-old entered pleas to two lesser charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in public. Judge Timothy Spencer KC said sentencing would take place on a later date.

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The court heard that the sentencing was likely to take several hours, with at least one psychiatrist giving evidence to Judge Spencer about Coulson's mental health. Coulson, who is currently in custody at a mental health hospital, will stay at the facility until the sentencing hearing.

Judge Spencer told Coulson: "I hope you are following [the court] proceedings. The prosecution have accepted your pleas to wounding with intent.

"That's very serious. I've yet to see the footage but I imagine it is very upsetting."

Following the hearing, Detective Constable Owen Bird, the investigating officer, said “Coulson’s actions that evening made it clear that this attack was premediated – he was in a possession of a knife, and he intended to use it.

“This incident could have quite easily led to life changing injuries or even the loss of life.

“Coulson knew exactly what he was doing and following the incident he attempted to evade the police for several days.

“We are pleased he has pleaded guilty to the offences, and we hope this admission of guilt reassures the victims and those who witnessed this vicious attack that justice has been done.”