A homicidal knifeman who tried to kill two strangers during a savage city centre attack told police “I’ve livened up Exeter a bit”.
Leon Telemacque attempted to murder a 24-year-old man and his 23-year-old girlfriend in Bampfylde Street. The couple had been waiting at a bus stop before the 31-year-old launched his brutal assault.
CCTV captured the moment he attacked them from behind with a 20cm blade, stabbing the man three times and the woman twice.
Audio captured the screams as he jabbed the knife at the couple then chased the man, who drew the attacker away from his girlfriend, onto Sidwell Street.
A group of students helped the victim and followed Telemacque as he ran away. The attacker was arrested a few minutes later near the Vue cinema by taser-carrying police.
Telemacque, from Birmingham, admitted two charges of attempted murder and has been jailed for life at Exeter Crown Court. The judge said he must serve a minimum of 17 years and 132 days before he can be considered for release.
Judge James Adkin said: “You had been standing in the vicinity for about an hour watching the victims and their friend [who boarded a coach]. With no provocation or indication you violently attacked them from behind.”
He said it was “highly likely” the male victim would have been killed had he not raised his hand to protect his throat from the knife and there was no doubt Telemacque intended to murder them both.
“You pose an imminent risk to members of the public of causing harm by stabbing them,” the judge told Telemacque.
On sentencing, HHJ Judge Adkin told Telemacque, ‘what you did defies rational explanation’. He also explained that he posed an imminent risk and that he may remain in custody for the rest of his life.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sam Heys said: “This was a frenzied, random and unprovoked attack by Telemacque on two completely innocent victims who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“We cannot underestimate the impact that such an event will have had on them and those who witnessed the incident. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of carrying and using a knife.
“I welcome the sentence passed down by the judge today and hope that the victims can now begin to gain some closure and move forward with their lives. I’d also like to thank them for their bravery in supporting the police investigation through such an incredibly challenging time.”
If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
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