WATCH: Man caught by police dog after Flitwick stabbing jailed for more than 15 years
A man from Flitwick has been jailed for more than 15 years after he viciously attacked another man with a knife, leaving him with multiple stab wounds.
David Butler, 61, fled the scene, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries, but was arrested after a police dog found him hiding behind a bin shed.
During his arrest, A blood-stained towel, three knives and his passport were found in Butler’s bag.
The stabbing took place in The Hawthorns, Flitwick, late on July 17, 2025, after Butler was involved in an argument with another man. The row turned violent when Butler produced a knife and attacked the man, who sustained serious stab and slash wounds to his body, face and ear.
Bedfordshire Police found the victim with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition was stabilised.
Following Butler’s arrest, investigators searched his home and found clothes worn in the attack in the washing machine. Blood stains were found across the property, including on the washing machine handle.
The search also revealed several weapons, including a machete, sawn-off shotgun and multiple cartridges.
In January, Butler pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), two counts of possession of a bladed article and possession of a firearm.
At a Luton Crown Court hearing yesterday (September 23), he was sentenced to a concurrent term of 15 years and four months’ imprisonment for each count of GBH and a total of four-and-a-half years for weapons offences – also to be served concurrently.
Detective Constable Ellie Hall said: “Butler launched a vicious and sustained violent attack on his victim, continuing his assault despite being begged to stop. He then casually walked away from the scene leaving the victim bloodied in the street.
“Anyone capable of such remorseless actions has no place in our community and is deserving of a long custodial sentence.
“Officers arrived at the scene with very little details on Butler and where he fled to. But support from local residents, paired with the efforts of our specialist officers, ensured Butler was swiftly apprehended."