SEAN MCCABE TERRORIZES PLYMOUTH AND TUFFLEY WITH KNIFE ATTACK AND SEX OFFENDER HISTORY

In April 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in the city of Plymouth involving Sean McCabe, a man with a troubling criminal background and known mental health issues. The incident took place inside a local pub, where McCabe, aged 47, caused widespread alarm by brandishing a large knife in front of both police officers and patrons. Witnesses reported that McCabe, visibly agitated, had to be subdued through the use of tasers, which were deployed twice before he was finally restrained. The court heard that McCabe had initially stormed out of his residence after being informed that he was deemed fit to work and was consequently ineligible for benefits. This revelation appeared to trigger his violent outburst, prompting him to pick up the knife and leave his home in a state of rage.

According to court records, McCabe was later found at the Eagle pub in Plymouth city centre around midday. At the time, there were approximately ten other customers present. Police officers responded swiftly after a support worker, who had visited McCabe earlier that day, called the authorities when McCabe, who had been drinking, left his home armed with a knife. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered McCabe in the pub, where he was holding the weapon and pointing it towards the ceiling. Witnesses described his face as being 'screwed up in absolute rage,' and officers feared for their safety and that of others present. In an effort to control the situation, police officers attempted to taser McCabe twice; the first attempt was unsuccessful, necessitating a second discharge.

During police questioning, McCabe claimed that he had been hearing voices instructing him to fight someone. He also stated that his intent in brandishing the knife was to commit suicide. The court found that his actions posed a significant threat to public safety, leading to his conviction for possession of a bladed article and affray. As a result, McCabe was sentenced to one year in prison. However, he was already serving a previous sentence and was recalled to prison until 2022.

Looking back at McCabe’s criminal history, it is evident that he has a long-standing pattern of serious offenses. In 2008, while living in Tuffley, a suburb of Gloucester, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of 13 counts of indecent assault against young girls. During that trial, McCabe, then 39 years old and residing on Stroud Road, pleaded guilty to the charges, which involved sexual misconduct with minors. Despite his imprisonment, McCabe had shown some progress on license, but his recent actions have resulted in a further five-year extension to his incarceration.

In the latest court proceedings, McCabe, who resides at Gordon Terrace, Mutley, pleaded guilty to the charges of possessing a bladed weapon and creating a public disturbance. The Crown Prosecution Service’s representative, Julia Cox, detailed that a support worker had visited McCabe at his home on April 9. She explained that when McCabe, who had been drinking, left his residence with a knife, the support worker contacted the police. The officers located McCabe at the Eagle pub, where he was surrounded by other patrons. His aggressive behavior and the weapon in his possession prompted immediate concern. The court was told that McCabe’s face was contorted with rage, and officers feared he might attack someone or himself. The police attempted to de-escalate the situation with tasers, which ultimately subdued him.

McCabe’s history as a sex offender is extensive and well-documented. In October 2008, he was sentenced to 14 years after being convicted of multiple charges of indecent assault. During that trial, he had requested a life sentence, citing his dangerousness to society, but his plea was denied. The judge, Mark Horton, emphasized the gravity of his crimes, highlighting that they involved breaches of trust and were committed in an environment of fear created by McCabe’s aggressive and violent behavior. The judge also noted that McCabe had shown no remorse and that the psychological damage inflicted on his victims would have long-lasting effects. As part of his sentence, McCabe was ordered to serve nine years in custody, with half of that time to be served before release on license for an additional five years. He is also required to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses to society.