Man pleads guilty to unprovoked knife attack at Bognor Regis railway station
A 22-year-old man has admitted slashing another man during a shocking knife attack in the forecourt of Bognor Regis railway station, British Transport Police have confirmed.
A man who carried out an unprovoked knife attack at Bognor Regis railway station has pleaded guilty following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.
Jason McDonagh, 22, of no fixed address, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday 2 January, where he pleaded guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and two counts of possession of a bladed article.
He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at the same court on Friday 27 February.
Attack unfolded in early hours
The court heard that in the early hours of Tuesday 25 November 2025, the victim had been at a friend’s flat when McDonagh arrived and behaved aggressively towards both men before falling asleep.
After leaving the flat to get food and returning, McDonagh again became aggressive. At around 8.20am, the victim and his friend left the property once more, while McDonagh stayed behind despite being asked to leave.
Shortly afterwards, McDonagh emerged from an alleyway and threw a glass bottle and a kitchen knife at the victim. He then picked up the knife and chased the victim towards Bognor Regis railway station, armed with knives in both hands.
Slashed in busy station forecourt
McDonagh lunged at the victim in the station forecourt, slashing his right arm and causing a deep and serious injury. The attack continued, with the victim knocked to the ground before managing to escape and run to safety.
Members of the public raised the alarm, and Sussex Police officers arrived quickly, locating and detaining McDonagh a short time later.
The victim was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for the severe wound to his arm.
Schoolchildren nearby at time of attack
BTP Detective Constable Christopher May described the incident as “horrific” and said McDonagh had never explained his actions.
“He was only loosely known to the victim and by all accounts his actions were completely unprovoked,” he said.
“The attack took place at a busy station in front of horrified onlookers, and in fact just seconds before a group of young schoolchildren had been escorted into the station by their teachers.”
DC May added that McDonagh showed “absolutely no regard” for the public or for the victim, who continues to recover both physically and psychologically.
Swift police action praised
The detective praised officers and partner agencies for their rapid response, which saw McDonagh charged and remanded within 24 hours of the incident.
“This shocking incident caused considerable shock and concern among the community, and I am glad to see that McDonagh has pleaded guilty,” he said.
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