An ex-youth worker who was brutally beaten and stabbed during a random attack in Wellington says that, years later, he remains afraid to go out at night.
The victim, who has asked to be known by his initials LP, was attacked in May 2023 at a spot locally known as Rolly Polly Green. Four young men-Montie Budge, Stuart Trott, Oliver Ratajczak, and Piotr Rycman-were responsible for the assault. All were minors at the time but have since turned 18. They were sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on 31 July 2023. Budge received a suspended sentence, while the other three were given community orders.
Recalling the night of the attack, LP described how the incident came completely out of nowhere as he was walking home from an evening out in Wellington. “I had helped a gentleman who was a bit drunk find his way home safely, and then I set off towards my own home,” he said.
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LP took a shortcut through a path by Asda leading to Alexandra Road, passing through an open area known as Rolly Polly Green. Suddenly, he heard voices and shone a torch in the direction of the sound. “I saw a lad emerge from behind a tree holding a knife. I thought, ‘Whoa, we don’t need this,’ and as I tried to walk away, I was suddenly attacked by three others.”
He explained that he didn’t hear what the group was saying to each other, only realising they were young people just before the assault began. “The glint of the knife flickered in the torchlight. I told them I was sorry and tried to leave, but then I was struck and pulled to the ground.”
During the attack, LP was punched and kicked repeatedly. Shouts rang out, with people calling the name of the attacker carrying the knife. LP only became aware he had been stabbed after other young people in the group noticed he was bleeding.
“They told me ‘Oh, you’re bleeding’, and I thought it was just a small cut. But then I realised it was much worse,” he said. The attack left LP with two knife wounds to his head and a number of bruises to his ribs. “He made more than a dozen attempts at stabbing me,” he added.
LP only grasped the full severity of the assault after seeing video footage of the incident. “It was horrific. Thankfully, the knives did not penetrate my skull. I needed 18 stitches for the wounds on my head.”
While his physical recovery took a couple of months, LP says the mental impact has lasted far longer. “It’s been three years now, and I still can’t go out at night. When I see a young person, I feel panic and run home. I worry deeply for my family.”
He noted the attack took place just down the road from Wellington police station. “If I ran from where I was, I’d be there in 20 to 30 seconds.”
After the assault, LP was taken to hospital and his belongings were collected as evidence. Police took his statement and photographed his injuries before he was allowed to go home to recover. The police cordoned off the scene and searched it thoroughly, though they never recovered the knife used in the attack.
“There was enough evidence though-DNA and blood splatters linked to the attack,” LP said.
Montie Budge, 18, of Fletcher Close, Taunton, was sentenced to 14 months in custody, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid work, complete 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, pay £2,500 in compensation for wounding with intent, and received a concurrent six-month suspended sentence for possession of a bladed article.
Oliver Ratajczak, 18, of Pavilion Place, Exeter, pleaded guilty to affray and received a 12-month community order, 160 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £2,500 compensation.
Stuart Trott, 18, of Immenstadt Drive, Wellington, pleaded guilty to affray and was handed a 15-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 RAR days, and a £2,500 compensation order.
Piotr Rycman, 18, of Eastwick Road, Taunton, also pleaded guilty to affray and received a 12-month community order, 160 hours of unpaid work, and a £2,500 compensation payment.
LP expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of knife crime, which he had previously thought was mainly a problem in larger urban areas. He emphasised the broad impact of such violence-not only on victims but also on communities and perpetrators.
“I don’t understand why people feel the need to carry knives. Even as an ex-youth worker, I’m not sure how much is done to address these issues with young people. I hear that some schools now are seeing kids carrying or threatening others with knives, even locally.”
He advocated for increased efforts to tackle knife crime, suggesting investment in safe methods to disarm attackers might be necessary.
LP also mentioned the knife amnesty bin at Wellington police station but acknowledged its limitations. “Amnesty helps only if people want to give up their blades.”
He reflected on the Knife Angel sculpture that was displayed in Taunton after his attack, describing it as a stunning but poignant reminder. “It was difficult to enjoy it because of what had happened to me.”
LP’s experience highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing knife crime, and the lasting effects violence has on survivors.