Man Jailed After Unprovoked Knife Attack At Bognor Regis Station

A man has been jailed following a shocking unprovoked knife attack in broad daylight at Bognor Regis Railway Station, after an investigation by British Transport Police.

Jason McDonagh, 22, of no fixed address, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 2 January, where he pleaded guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and two counts of Possession of a Bladed Article.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday 27 February to four years’ imprisonment.

The court heard that the victim had been at a friend’s flat in the early hours of Tuesday 25 November 2025 when McDonagh arrived and behaved aggressively towards both of them before falling asleep.

Later, the pair left to get food and returned shortly afterwards, at which point McDonagh again became aggressive.

At around 8:20am, they left the flat once more, while McDonagh remained despite being asked to leave.

McDonagh then emerged from an alleyway, throwing a glass bottle and a kitchen knife at the victim before picking up the knife and chasing him towards the station with knives in both hands.

CCTV footage showed McDonagh lunging at the victim in the station forecourt, leaving him with a significant slash wound to his right arm.

He continued the attack, knocking the victim to the ground before the man managed to get up and escape.

Officers from Sussex Police arrived quickly after calls from members of the public and McDonagh was detained shortly afterwards.

The victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery to treat the deep arm wound.

Detective Constable Christopher May of British Transport Police said the sentence reflected both the physical and psychological harm caused, as well as the fear the incident caused to the wider community.

He said McDonagh had never explained his actions, adding that the attack was completely unprovoked and carried out in front of commuters.

He also noted it took place shortly before a group of schoolchildren were escorted into the station by their teachers.

Detectives and forensic officers worked to gather evidence so McDonagh could be charged and remanded within 24 hours of the incident.

Crown Prosecution Service supported the case.

Anyone who is a victim of or witness to violence on the railway should text British Transport Police on 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.