Dedicated detectives track down knife attacker who fled county
A detailed investigation by detectives led to a knife attacker who fled the scene and left the county following a stabbing in North Dorset being tracked down.
On the evening of Tuesday 30 September 2025 Joshua Moore, aged 21 and of Weymouth, was walking down a communal staircase at an address in Sturminster Newton when he confronted a woman who was known to him and assaulted her by kicking her to the face.
The woman, aged in her 30s, was left with bruising to her right eye.
A friend of the victim, a man aged in his 30s, confronted Moore over the assault and during an altercation he was stabbed with what was believed to be a four-inch lock knife.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to three stab wounds to his body and arm.
Moore fled the scene on foot and officers attended to carry out enquiries.
He was not located initially, but detailed work led by detectives from Dorset County CID led to the defendant being located at a hotel in Petersfield in Hampshire on Thursday 2 October 2025. He had dyed his previously blond hair jet black, apparently in an effort to disguise his identity.
Moore was arrested and charged. Following a trial at Winchester Crown Court he was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and assault by beating.
He returned to court on Friday 5 June 2026 and was sentenced to a total of five years in prison.
Detective Constable Emma Oram, of Dorset County CID, said: “This was a violent assault with a knife and, while it left the victim with significant injuries, the consequences could have been far worse and even fatal.
“We are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of knife crime and taking robust action against anyone responsible for offences of this nature.
“Thanks to our comprehensive investigation, we were able to track down the defendant when he had left the county and ensure he was held to account for his crimes.”
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