A shocking incident occurred in Manchester when an 18-year-old, Brandan Gillard, stabbed a stranger at the Manchester Victoria Station. The crime unfolded on the Metrolink platform when Gillard, mistakenly believing he was being watched, confronted the victim.

Initially, the victim managed to push Gillard away, leading to a brief scuffle. Gillard pursued the victim through the station concourse and stabbed him in the chest in front of onlookers, including a terrified family.

The attack resulted in a severe chest laceration and liver wound for the victim. Gillard discarded his weapon before attempting to flee but was caught by off-duty police and station security.

On December 6, Gillard, now 19, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in a young offenders institution for wounding with intent, possession of a knife, and cannabis found at the time of arrest.

The court heard that the incident occurred on May 19, around 10:30 AM. CCTV footage displayed Gillard aggressively confronting the victim, leading to an immediate fight where the victim managed to push him onto the tracks.

In court, Gillard was described as a dangerous offender, influenced by personality disorder and cannabis use. Despite expressing remorse, the judge highlighted the unprovoked nature of the attack in a public space.