Stabbing man off on parole

A LONG-TERM criminal stabbed a supermarket worker in the thigh twice in an attempt to run from people he said were threatening him.

The supermarket manager may now have permanent nerve damage to her leg.

Stephen John Towner, 47, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court yesterday to 27 charges, including wounding, wilful damage and enter premises with intent.

Crown prosecutor Michael Mitchell said Towner went into the Holywell Rd supermarket at Biggera Waters and purchased items on August 17, 2017. He left and returned minutes later, taking knives from the shelves and discarding their packing.

“He started waving the knives from side to side,” Mr Mitchell said. “This occurs in the aisles of the shopping centre while other shoppers are going about their day.”

Mr Mitchell said Towner headed towards the back of the shopping centre where the supermarket manager tried to stop him leaving through the fire exit.

“As she tried to stop him, he has dropped his shoulder and barged her, stabbing her upper thigh,” he said.

The court was told the woman was left with two stab wounds and will not know if she has permanent damage for at least 12 months.

After Towner left the store, he broke into an 85-year-old woman’s home where police found him minutes later.

The court was told Towner first came to the attention of police in 1989 and had appeared in court 38 times.

Defence barrister Nick McGhee, instructed by Howden Saggers Lawyers, said Towner thought three people were at the front of the supermarket threatening him

Judge Ian Dearden sentenced Towner to three years in prison with immediate release on parole.