A man who stabbed a customer at a petrol station, unprovoked, and then held staff hostage has been sentenced for attempted murder. Paul Miller walked into the Morrison's Daily shop in Hengrove last year where bricklayer Liam Kittlety was getting a coffee from the machine.
Without word or warning Miller stabbed him multiple times with a kitchen knife. Mercifully, in a struggle that ensued, Mr Kittlety was able to get to safety.
Bristol Crown Court heard paranoid schizophrenic Miller - who had not taken his medication but had been taking drink and drugs at the time - then turned his attention to shop staff.
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They too managed to flee, the court heard. Armed police who arrived at the scene became locked in a stand-off with Lewis before baton rounds and a Taser were deployed and he was arrested.
Miller, 53, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder on September 9 last year. After hearing medical evidence Judge William Hart imposed an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act.
The judge told Miller: "Such restrictions treats unwell people. They are not intended to punish, they are protecting the public."
The judge praised police who handled the incident. He awards commendations to PC Robert Petty and Acting Police Sergeant Ashley Rowland.
James Ward, prosecuting, said Mr Kittlety initially thought someone had playfully hit him in the back. But, having been stabbed, he turned to see Miller holding a blade.
A struggle ensued in which they grabbed each other, with Mr Kittley screaming "get off me!". Ultimately Mr Kittlety was able to escape, but sustained stab wounds to his chest, right armpit, right forearm and lower back.
Terrified staff barricaded themselves in a room as Miller tried to scale the shop counter, the court heard. When they too escaped he remained alone on the premises as armed police scrambled to the scene.
Mr Ward said Miller refused to speak to two negotiators. He told the court stun grenades were deployed as police thought Miller would attack them.
Mr Ward said: "The defendant went towards police. He was stuck in the shoulder with a rifle muzzle and fell to the floor." The court heard a Taser was also used before Miller was handcuffed and arrested.
Dr Jonathan Hafferty confirmed he had been Miller's clinician at Broadmoor high security hospital, and had seen improvement to him with medication. He said: "Without appropriate treatment his risk to the public is gravely high." He recommended an indefinite hospital order.
Dr Nadji Kahtan recommended that a prison term, with treatment, would be a suitable disposal in the case.
Dr Kahtan stressed how Miller had actively sought medical help for his condition shortly before the attack, but to no avail. He said Miller wanted a prison sentence as opposed to a restricted hospital order.
Det Insp Mark Newbury said: “This was an awful ordeal for the victim who, despite being severely injured, managed to escape from the petrol station following the attack on him.
“We’d like to thank him for supporting our investigation and for providing evidence which has greatly assisted justice being served.
“It’s important to praise the thoroughly professional and brave actions of the officers who were first on the scene, including armed officers, who were able to safely detain the defendant and prevent any further harm being caused.
“Following the incident, a detailed and thorough investigation was carried out by CID officers, resulting in overwhelming evidence being gathered, culminating in this conviction.”
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