March 5, 2020 4.44 pm This story is over 48 months old

Bourne alcoholic stabbed man, claiming victim was a paedophile

Munford has been jailed for four years after stabbing a man in his back
Thomas Munford.

An alcoholic who stabbed a man following a lengthy drinking session called his victim a paedophile.

Thomas Munford accused his victim of being a sex offender before producing a knife and stabbing the man in the back.

Rosemary Kavanagh, prosecuting, said that Munford went to a house in West Street, Bourne, armed with a hammer and a six-inch long knife, knowing that his victim was visiting the man who lived at the property.

Munford brought a bottle of vodka with him and all three of them continued drinking into the early hours. As they talked Munford became agitated at one point and made threats to slit the victim’s throat.

Miss Kavanagh said that at 3am the householder decided to call it a night. At that point, Munford and his victim went outside for a smoke.

She told the court: “The complainant reached out his hand to the shake the defendant’s hand.

“The defendant grabbed his hand and pulled the complainant towards him. Suddenly the complainant felt a punch to his lower back and then felt a pain.

“He realised he had been stabbed. He made his way back inside. The wound was bleeding profusely and the householder called for an ambulance.”

The injured man was taken to hospital where he was detained for two days.

Munford was arrested just after 4am after approaching police officers and telling them they would be looking for him.

He told officers: “I stabbed him. He’s a paedo. I’m going down for it. If I don’t I’ll kill him.”

Munford, 34, of Edinburgh Crescent, Bourne, admitted charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife as a result of the incident on November 23 2019.

He was jailed for four years.

Mark Watson, in mitigation, said that Munford was a chronic alcoholic at the time and was suffering from mental health problems.

“In the weeks leading up to this he had stopped taking his medication.

“His presentation, having spent three and a half months in custody, is far better than it was at the time of this offence.

“He is currently dry and is clear from illicit substances. He is now on better medication.”