Man jailed for stabbing man nine times in brazen street attack

A man has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment after stabbing a man who was protecting his girlfriend after she was punched in the face in a street attack.

On the evening of 24 February 2025, Maksims Pilko, 22, of Bournemouth, approached the couple as they were walking to Bournemouth train station after an evening out.

Following a brief verbal altercation instigated by Pilko when he called the woman derogatory names, he then pushed between them, spat in the woman’s face and punched her to the head - causing her to fall to the floor.

When her boyfriend tried to get between them to protect her, Pilko stabbed him nine times to the chest, arm, thigh and back.

Melanie Hodges, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Maksims Pilko was carrying a knife when he attacked a woman in Bournemouth town centre. When her boyfriend stepped in to try and protect her, Pilko used the knife to stab him nine times.  

“This was a shocking incident for both victims who were lucky to have not been more seriously injured.

"The prosecution used evidence, including CCTV footage and statements from by-passers who stopped to help the victims, to build a strong case which proved that the defendant was intent on causing serious harm by carrying a knife in a public place.

“Knife crime has no place in our communities. We will take firm action against those who carry or use knives, ensuring they are prosecuted.”