Man, 39, sentenced for attempted murder

A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after he was found guilty of an attempted murder in Corby.

At about 6.15pm on July 8 last year, police officers received a call from a member of the public reporting a stabbing in Mantlefield Road.

The attack had been perpetrated by Nicoloie Pletescu who had stabbed the victim three times. With each blow, the court heard how Pletescu could be heard saying “die”.

The victim of the attack - a man in his 30s - was able to name Pletescu as the suspect as they had been friends for more than 20 years.

The knife used in the attack would later be found on the draining board in Pletescu’s home after being washed.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of attempted murder.

During the course of the police investigation, it transpired that Pletescu had been obsessed with the idea that the victim of the attack had been having an affair with his wife.

The affair was denied and no evidence was found to support the idea that one had ever taken place.

Pletescu, previously of Corby, was found guilty on January 14, following a three-day trial at Northampton Crown Court.

Today (April 13) he was sentenced at the same court to 22 years in prison with five years on extended licence. 

Lead investigator - Detective Sergeant Amelia Thompson of the North CID team said: “First of all, I’d like to thank the victim in this case for his support throughout our investigation.

“He was brutally attacked on that day in July last year and the incident has had a profound effect on him - both physically and psychologically. Despite this however, he has assisted us at every stage and remains positive and determined to not let this incident define him.

“Tackling knife crime is a priority for this Force and we will do everything we can to achieve positive outcomes such as this one.”