Bulgarian agency worker's unprovoked attack on Czech lorry driver

Martin Bozhkov repeatedly stabbed the driver, a total stranger, who was waiting for his lorry to be loaded at a Pirelli tyre compound factory, in Carlisle, on April 19.

Durham Crown Court heard that at the time Bozhkov, 20, was mentally unwell.

The night shift worker knocked on the door of driver Michael Kadlcik’s cab.

As the 43-year-old Czech national got out of the cab, Bozhkov launched the unprovoked attack, at about 3am.

Shocked warehouse workers watched as Bozhkov made repeated stab motions at Mr Kadlcik as he fled with blood gushing from his head.

He managed to barricade himself into an office and was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary suffering stab wounds to the head, upper body and leg, including a punctured lung.

Days later he told police he feared he would be killed.

Bozhkov was restrained and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A jury at his trial at Carlisle Crown Court, last month, heard the Bulgarian national was considered unfit to plead, and the jury concluded he committed the act of attempted murder.

Sentence was adjourned for conclusion of medical reports on Bozhkov, now 21, of Warwick Road, Carlisle.

Two psychiatrists agreed he is a paranoid schizophrenic and could suffer relapses.

Both recommended his is treated in a secure mental health facility.

Kim Whittlestone, for the previously unconvicted Bozhkov, told the sentencing hearing he is supported by his family who have moved to be closer to him.

Bozhkov was produced at court from Roseberry Park Hospital, Middlesbrough, where he has been detained since the incident.

Judge James Adkin told Bozhkov: “You took against the lorry driver as you suffered a delusion he was a people trafficker.”

Due to the seriousness of the offence, his illness, and potential for relapse, Judge Adkin passed a secure hospital treatment order at a medium secure unit, such as Roseberry Park, under the Mental Health Act.