Man, 65, convicted after knife attack outside shop

A 65-year-old man who stabbed another man outside a shop has been convicted.

Luciano Marenghi stabbed the victim repeatedly after a dispute outside of the Co-op store in Pewsey, Wiltshire, on 4 September 2023.

Marenghi denied intending to cause grievous bodily harm, instead claiming he acted in self-defence.

At trial, however, prosecutors from CPS Wessex unravelled his defence to a jury by piecing together compelling eyewitness testimony and CCTV evidence to prove that Marenghi’s attack was wholly disproportionate.

Witnesses described an attack upon the victim committed with such force that the blade was bent out of shape.

Members of the public courageously restrained Marenghi while others promptly tended to the victim’s injuries before police arrived at the scene.

Marenghi was convicted today (7 March 2024) at Salisbury Crown Court of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after the knife attack.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Simon Clark, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “This was a shocking attack which will have undoubtedly disturbed the local community.

“Marenghi’s attack was brutal and the victim in this case was lucky to have not been more seriously hurt.

“I hope today's conviction sends a clear message to anyone who arms themselves with a knife that such behaviour will not be tolerated in our society.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the brave members of the public who assisted the victim and police during this incident and engaged in the prosecution’s case.”