Stabbing victim recalls nightmare at shops (From The Oxford Times)

Stabbing victim recalls nightmare at shops

9:00am Saturday 4th February 2012 in Headlines By Thom Airs

Lewis Tyrone Cyprien has been jailed

A WOMAN who was stabbed at random in an Oxford shopping centre says she is “still struggling to make sense” of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Lewis Cyprien was jailed at Oxford Crown Court yesterday after admitting he plunged the eight-inch blade of a vegetable knife into one of Pauline Read’s buttocks in Templars Square, Cowley.

Despite her ordeal, the 44-year-old victim – who had never previously met or spoken to her attacker – said her biggest hope was that he could get help and move on.

Mrs Read, of Greater Leys, was shopping at the B&M shop in the centre on October 17 when 20-year-old Cyprien, who had been drinking and taking drugs, stabbed her from behind.

While she was left with a wound that would need seven stitches, Cyprien, of Liddell Road, Cowley, ran to the roof of the shopping centre.

Prosecutor Alistair Grainger said the defendant was “pacing up and down the edge of the roof” above a 50ft drop before threatening to stab a baton-wielding policeman.

After a 25-minute stand-off, Cyprien, who admitted unlawful wounding, was Tasered and restrained.

Last night, Mrs Read said: “The sheer randomness of the attack by a complete stranger has been a complete shock to myself and my family.”

Judith McCullough, defending, told the court she could offer no explanation for the offence and added: “This was wholly out of character for him.

“He is someone who has made some real efforts to rid himself of the problems he has with drugs and alcohol.”

She said Cyprien had a “troubled” upbringing and turned to drink and drugs after the death of his mother.

Jailing him for 18 months, Judge Patrick Eccles said: “What could be more terrifying for someone like (Mrs Read) on an ordinary day than to be stabbed from behind by someone who was completely unknown to her and apparently deranged?”

Mrs Read said last night: “I have to trust the judge’s judgment, but I think the sentence is a bit on the low side. But perhaps I’m looking at it a bit more emotionally.”

She praised the support of her family, friends and the emergency services, and added: “I hope the person who hurt me receives the best proper support to ensure he’s not a danger to himself or others in the future.

“My over-riding hope is that both families can move on from this.”