American man sentenced for attempted murder in Epsom
shane coffey attempted murder
An American man has been sentenced after attacking two people with a knife in Epsom.
Shane Coffey appeared at Guildford Crown Court today (Friday 21, November) having earlier pleaded guilty to attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm relating to the incident in Hook Road, on April 18 this year.
The 20-year-old, of Boston, Massachusetts, broke into the house in the early hours of the morning and attempted to murder a 19-year-old woman before her 23-year-old brother came to her aid. He was also attacked by Coffey with a knife. Both suffered serious stab wounds.
Coffey had previously been in contact with the two victims through online gaming. He persisted in harassing them even after they tried to break-off communication and in April travelled to their address from America without their knowledge or invitation.
He was sentenced to life in prison, and will serve a minimum of eight and a half years.
Coffey, who was known to the victims through previous contact via online gaming, was restrained by the family and arrested by officers who attended minutes later. He was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and later charged following assessment.
Senior investigating officer Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Antony Archibald said: "This was an extremely frightening incident for the family, carried out by a troubled man who carefully planned the attack with disturbing precision.
"We have no doubt that Coffey intended to kill that night and he may have done had it not been for the brave and courageous actions of the family members who stopped him and quickly contacted Police."
Those involved in online gaming, or communicating with others on the internet can seek advice about how to stay safe via cyberstreetwise.com/ or getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/online-gaming
