2008: HEREFORD STABBER JAILED
A Hereford man described as 'extremely dangerous' after stabbing his girlfriend 17 times with a carving knife has been sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison.Worcester Crown Court heard that Marc Gal, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder, could face a longer detention if authorities continue to view him as a threat.
The sentencing relates to an incident in April where Gal inflicted severe injuries on his partner, Nikki Homes.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Miss Homes was so badly wounded that her skull was chipped and her lung narrowly missed being punctured.
Witnesses found her on her hands and knees covered in blood outside her flat on Widemarsh Street, Hereford.
The prosecution stated that Gal, aged 33 and residing on Whitecross Road, had attacked her during a drunken, drug-fueled episode driven by jealousy.
Miss Homes required a four-hour surgical procedure to save her life.
Following the attack, Gal fled via train to Abergavenny but was apprehended at Hereford Station later that day when he returned.
Prosecutor Andrew Lockhart explained that an argument on a night out quickly escalated into violence after Gal wrongly believed Miss Homes was seeing someone else.
The court also heard Gal had consumed wine, whisky, lager, and ecstasy pills within 24 hours prior to the assault.
Defense lawyer Abigail Nixon described Gal’s decline into a downward spiral but emphasized his genuine remorse and shock over his actions.
She added that their initial relationship was good, but substance abuse turned it destructive.
Judge Alistair McCreath sentenced Gal to at least five years in prison, stating he would remain incarcerated until authorities deemed him no longer a danger to the public.
The judge highlighted that, given certain circumstances and a person's state of mind affected by alcohol and drugs, Gal was considered 'a very dangerous individual.' After sentencing, Victim Nikki Homes expressed gratitude towards emergency responders, especially paramedics who treated her at the scene.
She also thanked her family and friends for their ongoing support.
The police response was swift; officers at Hereford railway station identified Gal quickly.
Some officers remained at the crime scene, while others searched the station, bus stations, and taxi ranks for anyone matching his description.
DI Richard Rees led the efforts, noting that investigators targeted areas likely to be outside the city to find him.
Clothes belonging to Gal were recovered from the station’s toilets, and staff identified him as a man disembarking from a train coming from Abergavenny.
Gal had fled immediately after the stabbing, boarding the earliest train out, which would have taken him into South Wales.
However, in a panic, he reportedly turned back during his escape attempt.
