Man held indefinitely after stabbing train passenger 18 times

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Christopher Rawlings, who stabbed a man 18 times on a train in July 2023, will remain in secure psychiatric hospital indefinitely.

Christopher Rawlings stabbed a man in his 50s 18 times aboard a Liverpool to Birmingham train on 28 July 2023. The victim lost so much blood he suffered irreversible sight loss and has described his mental health and relationships as being on a 'downward spiral' ever since.

Rawlings, who was on police bail for violent disorder at the time of the attack, was arrested at the scene for attempted murder. He was later charged with attempted murder, wounding with intent, affray and possession of a knife in a public place. He was set to stand trial at Chester Crown Court on 11 June but was ruled mentally unfit to do so.

On 22 October, His Honour Judge Steven Everett held a further hearing to determine in what circumstances, if any, Rawlings could be released. Psychiatric reports showed Rawlings suffers from treatment-resistant paranoid schizophrenia, serious psychotic symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and misuses substances. Judge Everett heard that the risk Rawlings presents to the public increases significantly when he stops taking clozapine, which the judge called 'the gold standard' in antipsychotic medication. He ruled that Rawlings will remain in Ashworth High Security Hospital indefinitely and needs supervision from a specialist forensic psychiatrist.

How it is being reported

• Paranoid schizophrenic in hospital for good after frenzied knife attack on trainChristopher Rawlings, now of Ashworth High Security Hospital, stabbed his victim, a man in his 50s, 18 times aboard a Liverpool to Birmingham train on July 28, 2023.Chester Standard · 25 Oct, 08:00
• Paranoid schizophrenic in hospital for good after frenzied knife attack on trainChristopher Rawlings, now of Ashworth High Security Hospital, stabbed his victim, a man in his 50s, 18 times aboard a Liverpool to Birmingham train on July 28, 2023.Northwich Guardian · 25 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Christopher Rawlings · Ashworth High Security Hospital · Hartford railway station · Chester Crown Court · Cheshire Police

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