2023 Bodmin mass stabbing

After a group of nightclubbers left Bodmin’s Eclipse nightclub, around 3.15am on Sunday, 30 April 2023, there was a serious altercation on Castle Canyke Road.[2] Subsequently, this led to Michael Allen, 32, being stabbed who then subsequently died at the scene.[3]

Devon and Cornwall Police received reports that someone was in possession of a knife and that multiple people had suffered stab wounds.

Seven other men and women were injured by stab wounds and taken to hospital. Injuries ranged from ‘serious’ to ‘minor’, but none were life-threatening. Five of the injured were released from hospital within 24 hours, and the remaining two remained longer in hospital to recover from surgery.[4]

Michael Allen, who died at the scene, was aged 32 and from Liskeard. Michael (Mike), also known as Chabel, played rugby for Bodmin Rugby Club.[5]

Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson from Devon and Cornwall Police’s major crime unit led the investigation team.

A 24-year-old man from Bodmin was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

No one else was sought in connection with the incident, with the police describing it as "isolated".

On 1 May 2023, police were granted by magistrates more time to question a man, 24, in connection with their murder inquiry.

On 2 May 2023, a local man, Jake Hill, 24, of Jubilee Terrace, Bodmin, was charged with one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder and two counts of Section 18 causing grievous bodily harm with intent.[6]

He was held in remand and appeared before Truro Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 3 May 2023.

At his appearance, Hill spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. No application for bail was made.

No pleas were entered and magistrates said the case was indictable only and could only be dealt with by a Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Truro Crown Court on Thursday, 4 May 2023

Hill was due to appear at Truro Crown Court on 4 May after submitting an application for bail but the case was adjourned until 10am on Friday, 5 May 2023.

On 4 May 2023, Judge Robert Linford, the Honorary Recorder of Truro, condemned false reports and social media speculation.

He stated: "It's come to my attention that there has been some both irresponsible and misleading reporting of this case already. There has also been a large amount of social media chat about it. A very stark example has been provided to me. There is a photograph floating around in the press of scenes of crime officers connected with this investigation, one of whom is carrying a machete. The implication has been that that weapon is alleged to have been used in this incident. That is simply not the case. It is not alleged that the machete was used in this incident at all and yet that is the photograph that has been widely disseminated. I want to reinforce a plea made by the police at a very early stage of their investigation. Can people please refrain from making public comment about this case? Justice must be allowed to take its course. The sort of reporting and comment that there has been about this case is capable of prejudicing the fair trial of this case in this county. This is a Cornish case and is to be tried in due course at this Crown Court. I would not like to be forced to make a decision in the future that a fair trial in this county is not possible because of what people who know little, if anything, about the case have either said in reports or about it on social media."[7]

On 5 May 2023, Hill appeared at Truro Crown Court and was remanded in custody until 30 May 2023 for a pre-trial review when he is expected to enter a plea. A trial date has also been set for 6 November 2023 with prosecutor David Maunder saying it could last for a minimum of four weeks as potentially 100 witnesses could be called to give evidence.[8]

A tribute site was set up at Bodmin RFC, where people could gather to remember Michael Allen, pay their respects and lay flowers[9]. Alternatively, flowers could be left at Bodmin’s Shire Hall in the centre of town.

Bodmin RFC released a statement at the time: "Mike came to the club earlier this season and quickly became a big part of our squad. His humour and kindness has left a mark on us all and we will miss him dearly."

The family of Mr Allen, from Liskeard, said he was a "much-loved son, brother, grandson, and uncle who loved his dogs".

Bodmin RFC setup a Community Hub[10] where members of the community were able to come to ask questions, provide information and receive support from the police.

The Hole in the Wall in Bodmin, held a minute’s silence for Mr Allen on the following Sunday evening as it was a pub he used to go to often, especially with his teammates.[11]

Helston RFC also paid tribute to the sports player, posting[12]: "The thoughts of everyone here at Helston RFC are with Bodmin RFC today. The tragic loss of Mike Allen will be felt by all. Our condolences to his family, friends and club."

Lankelly Fowey Rugby Club wrote of how "deeply saddened" the whole club is to hear of Mr Allen’s passing. "All of us at Lankelly RFC are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chabel (Mike Allen)," it wrote. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Bodmin RFC community during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that we stand with you in this time of mourning."[13]

Leigh Frost, Cornwall councillor for Bodmin St Petroc, said: "I'm shocked and devastated at the news coming out [from last night.] Firstly my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and anyone who has suffered from tragic event. We are a strong community and we will support each other through this, I'll make it absolutely clear knife crime is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it here in Bodmin."[14]

Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, shared his own upset at the “truly horrific news”. “My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and the family of the victims,” he wrote on Twitter.[15]

A local football team, Bodmin Youth FC, closed its nearby ground at Coldharbour after the incident and cancelled training on the 3rd and 4th of May 2023 out of respect.[16]