Brutal Attack in Plymouth Neighbourhood
A man and woman from Plymouth have been handed significant prison sentences for a horrific premeditated stabbing that left their victim with life-threatening injuries. Tommy McTighe, 34, and Gemma Vanstone, 35, were convicted for their roles in a brutal attack that culminated in them driving past their bleeding victim while shouting 'is he dead yet?'
Calculated Ambush with Weapons
The court heard how the pair executed a carefully planned assault on the evening of March 25 last year. They travelled to the Stoke area of Plymouth in a black Mercedes, with Vanstone hidden in the vehicle's boot to avoid detection. Upon arrival at Hotham Place, McTighe released her and both armed themselves with weapons - including a foot-long machete and a long metal bar.
McTighe positioned himself out of sight while Vanstone lured their victim, a man in his 50s, under the false pretence of a drug deal. When the man arrived, he was immediately set upon in a savage attack. The victim was struck multiple times with both weapons while Vanstone demanded drugs.
The violence was so extreme that the metal bar was left bent at one end from the force of the blows. The court heard how the victim was stabbed eight times around his body as he lay on the ground, screaming for the attack to stop.
Callous Aftermath and Police Investigation
Despite his life-threatening injuries, the victim managed to stagger back to Molesworth Road before collapsing. A passing taxi driver spotted him lying in the street covered in blood and alerted emergency services.
In a display of shocking callousness, the attackers' Mercedes was then seen driving past the scene with one occupant shouting: 'Is he dead yet?'
Firearms and local officers quickly attended the scene and began searching for the suspects. The Mercedes was located at the rear of Keyham Road shortly afterwards. McTighe emerged from a nearby address and was detained two hours after the offence.
During subsequent searches, police found a metal bar and quantity of drugs in the vehicle, while the victim's blood was discovered within McTighe's home. Vanstone was arrested on March 28, 2024 after officers found her hiding under a bed.
Sentencing and Police Statement
Both defendants appeared before Plymouth Crown Court on November 21 for sentencing. McTighe received a nine-year prison term, while Vanstone was jailed for five-and-a-half years.
McTighe had been convicted of Section 18 GBH wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon following a trial in September, though he denied these offences. He did admit possession of crack cocaine. Vanstone was also convicted of Section 18 GBH but had denied the charge.
Detective Constable Rose, the officer in the case, stated: 'This was an extremely violent and senseless attack which left the victim with numerous serious injuries that were initially feared to be life-threatening.'
The detective emphasised that violence of this nature has no place in our communities and noted that despite the victim not supporting a prosecution, the conviction demonstrates Devon & Cornwall Police's zero-tolerance approach to knife and violent crime.
