Warning about the dangers of carrying a knife after man jailed for assault
Officers are issuing a warning about the dangers of carrying a knife after a man was jailed following a serious assault in Weymouth.
Joshua Mitchell Savory, aged 28 and of Weymouth, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife or sharp pointed bladed article in a public place.
During the early hours of Sunday 29 September 2024, Savory assaulted a man in Caroline Place at the junction with Westham Road.
Savory used a knife to slash the victim across the left side of his face, leaving an 11-inch cut.
The victim – aged in his 30s from Bournemouth – required hospital treatment and has been left with a scar on his face.
An investigation was launched and Savory was later identified and arrested.
A search of an address linked to Savory was carried out and a T-shirt was seized that matched what the offender was seen wearing in CCTV footage of the incident.
Following the incident, a knife was seized, which was found to be forensically linked to the defendant.
Savory was sentenced to four years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 18 August 2025. He was also handed a restraining order, to last until further notice.
Following the sentencing, the victim said: “I know I am fortunate to have survived this horrific attack, and I live every day with the reminder that not everyone is as lucky as I was.
“I want to thank Dorset Police; especially PC Bowditch and the members of the public who ensured justice could be served in a timely manner. I would also like to thank the healthcare professionals who helped and continue to help me manage the damage that was caused on this fateful night.”
Police Constable Mia-Isabella Bowditch, of Dorset County CID, said: “There is no excuse for carrying a knife – this incident could have had even more tragic consequences.
“The victim has shown incredible bravery following what was a very nasty assault.
“We issued a number of appeals during the investigation and I would like to thank everyone who came forward and provided information, which ultimately helped us secure a case against Savory so he faced justice for his actions.
“Although Dorset has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in the country, we take these offences very seriously and will continue to educate the public and aim to remove knife crime from the streets.
“We will relentlessly strive to remove knives from our streets and pursue those who choose to carry them and commit offences.”
If you have any information or concerns about someone carrying a knife, please report it to Dorset Police online via the website www.dorset.police.uk. You can also report any information anonymously to CrimeStoppers UK on 0800 555111.
Your information could help save a life. If a crime is in progress or a life in danger, always dial 999.
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