Next Chapter Supports Chelmsford Victim in Attempted Murder Case

A recent case in Chelmsford underscores the critical need for comprehensive support services for domestic abuse survivors.

Chacko Abraham Thenakarayil, 71, of Hornbeam Gardens, Chelmsford, was found guilty of attempted murder after a violent assault on a man with a meat cleaver. The incident occurred on May 6, 2023, when officers were called to Hornbeam Gardens following reports of a serious assault.

Enquiries revealed that Thenakarayil had assaulted the victim inside an address by hitting him with a meat cleaver in the back of the head and attempting to stab him with a knife. The victim, despite sustaining serious injuries including a fractured skull and losing around 500ml of blood, managed to disarm Thenakarayil and escape to seek help from neighbours. When neighbours intervened, they found Thenakarayil holding a third knife, which they bravely removed from him.

Prior to his arrest, Thenakarayil had implied his intent to kill the victim, stating to witnesses, "I'm not finished." He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, charged the following day, and remanded into custody. Following a two-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, he was found guilty on June 26 and is awaiting sentencing.

Essex Police referred the survivor to Next Chapter for expert support following emergency services being sent to an incident at the home.

The survivor was allocated an experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) who supported them from the outset until the conclusion of the court proceedings. The support included empowerment and assistance to gain a greater understanding of the UK Legal system.

Our IDVA’s offer support to all victims of domestic abuse including those at risk of so-called Honour Based Abuse.

So-called Honour Based Abuse (HBA) is a crime or incident committed to protect or defend the “honour” of a family or community.

We would like to say thank you to the family for trusting our support, which of course at present is still on-going.

You can read the Essex Police statement here: https://www.essex.police.uk/news/essex/news/news/2024/june/chelmsford-man-found-guilty-of-attempted-murder/

If you need support, click the ‘Get Help’ button. In an emergency, call 999.

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