YEOVIL NEWS: Man jailed for knife attack

A MAN has been jailed for three years and three months after he attacked another man with a knife in Yeovil.

Kier Tong, 29, of Newton Road, stabbed 29-year-old Darren Hopkins four times to the stomach and back during a disturbance which started inside a property before spilling onto the street.

Tong was found not guilty of GBH with intent, but convicted of GBH after admitting that charge following a short trial at Taunton Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday (Wednesday, April 1, 2015).

At around 7.30pm on August 23, 2014, police were called by a member of the public to a report of a stabbing in Newton Road.

The victim was found with serious injuries and was taken to Yeovil District Hospital.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Kier Tong.

Investigating officer Det Con Dan King said: “There was an ongoing dispute between Kier Tong and the victim which culminated in this extremely violent incident.

“Tong armed himself with a chef’s knife and stabbed the victim four times, leaving him in a critical condition.

“The consultant who operated on Darren said three of the stab injuries could have proved fatal.

“Unfortunately he’s been left with permanent injuries following the attack and will need to take medication for the rest of his life.

“When officers attended the scene, Tong admitted the offence a number of times and a chef’s knife which was used during the attack was found in his room.

“Due to the overwhelming evidence against him, Tong has admitted a serious charge in court and I welcome the sentence given to him.

“He’s proven himself to be a violent man who was willing to use a lethal weapon despite the obvious potential consequences.”

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