24 years jail for knifeman who beat up woman then stabbed man on street

A knifeman who nearly stabbed a man to death on the street moments after beating up a woman has been locked up for 24 years.

Tristan Wallen, 28, has been jailed for attempted murder

Tristan Wallen, from Handsworth, repeatedly stabbed his victim on a Birmingham street on August 27 last year.

Wallen's violent outburst started at his family flat in Roundlea Road, Shenley Fields, when he burst in and beat up an 18-year-old woman at around 4.30am.

Wallen and another man, who has not yet been identified, then turned their attention to a 22-year-old man and chased him down the street before stabbing him in the chest.

Police at the scene of the stabbing in Roundlea Road. Photo: Snapper SK

The victim tried to defend himself, resulting in slash wounds across his arm.

Fearing for his life, he attempted to run but Wallen quickly caught up with him and continued to repeatedly stab him in the back and side.

The victim's mother intervened after finding her son bleeding heavily on the doorstep. She shouted at Wallen, who ran off.

A manhunt was launched when witnesses identified Wallen and a car he was seen fleeing in.

The male victim was repeatedly stabbed on the street. Photo: SnapperSK

A week later, a car matching the description showed up on an ANPR camera and was chased by traffic officers before being stopped on the A38 in Birmingham.

Wallen, who initially tried to give his brother's details, was identified as being wanted for attempted murder and was arrested. A search of the car also found him to be in possession of cannabis.

Wallen, of Wilton Road, in Handsworth, was this week found guilty of attempted murder, assault, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a controlled drug after a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

The 28-year-old knifeman was jailed for 24 years.

Detective Thomas Oppenkowski, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “I am really pleased to see such a violent man spend many years in prison.

“This is another case highlighting the devastating effects of knife crime. The victim was originally deemed to have suffered life threatening injuries, so he is very lucky to have survived.

“I hope this outcome demonstrates how seriously we as a force take knife crime and will continue to target offenders who chose to use a knife.”