Man admits morning knife attack at railway station

A 22-year-old man has admitted stabbing his victim at a West Sussex railway station.

Jason McDonagh, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He attacked a man in his 20s at the station in Bognor Regis at about 08:30 GMT on 25 November, according to the British Transport Police (BTP).

McDonagh was "only loosely known to the victim" and his actions were "completely unprovoked", a BTP spokesperson said.

The victim was staying with a friend when McDonagh arrived, hours before the attack, and behaved aggressively before falling asleep, police said.

The victim and his friend left the flat at about 08:20 but McDonagh remained despite having been asked to leave, the police spokesperson said.

McDonagh then appeared from an alleyway, threw a glass bottle and kitchen knife at the victim, then chased him towards the station with knives in both hands.

He then attacked the victim in the station forecourt who was then rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to a deep wound on his arm, BTP said.

Det Con Christopher May said the stabbing had "caused considerable shock and concern among the community".

The attack took place "at a busy station in front of horrified onlookers" and just after a group of schoolchildren had been escorted into the station by teachers, according to the detective.

He said: "McDonagh showed absolutely no regard for these people or indeed the terrified victim, who continues to recover from the incident both physically and psychologically."

The victim's injuries were initially thought to be life-changing but police later said they were no longer being treated as such.

McDonagh is due to be sentenced on 27 February.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.