Man Jailed for 30 Years Over Preston Knife Attack

A man who took part in a knife attack at a flat in Preston has been given a 30-year sentence. Cristinel Gogalea, 22, was sentenced today, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Preston Crown Court Sessions House.

Gogalea attacked a man aged in his 40s at a property in Arnhem Road in July last year. The victim was found covered in blood nearby, having sustained slash wounds to his head, back, chest, elbow and foot. He also suffered a puncture lung.

Our officers were called around 12.15am on 15th July by a member of the public. The call reported a man injured on the floor on New Hall Lane. Two officers were first on the scene and found the victim covered from head to toe in blood. They immediately saw a five-inch slash wound to the top of his head.

The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. He told officers he had been asleep in bed when he heard noise outside his first-floor flat. He opened the door and a man entered the flat and assaulted him. The victim managed to run out of his flat, fearing that he was going to be killed.

Investigation and Arrest

When officers searched the flat, they found a mobile phone on the floor in the kitchen area. The phone was examined and linked to Gogalea.

Detectives investigating the attack found CCTV footage. This footage showed four people running from an alleyway opposite to Arnhem Road. One of them was carrying a machete-type weapon. Officers arrested Gogalea a short time later after a car was stopped in Preston.

Gogalea, formerly of Wilbraham Street, Preston, pleaded guilty to attempted murder at a hearing in January. His 30-year sentence comprises 25 years imprisonment and a five-year extended licence period. He will have to serve two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible for parole.

Co-defendants Sentenced

Gogalea’s mother Rebeca Anitescu, 47, and his stepfather Marian Anitescu, 53, were also before the court. Both are of Wilbraham Street, Preston.

They pleaded guilty to assisting an offender. They had helped Gogalea change his clothes after the attack and arranged for him to be driven from the area. Rebeca Anitescu was jailed for 10 months. Marian Antitescu was jailed for 23 months.

Police Statement

Det Sgt Greg Bashall of Preston CID, said: “This was a ferocious attack with a knife which left the victim with serious injuries.

“By his guilty plea, Gogalea has acknowledged that this was an attempt to kill the victim.

“The seriousness of the injuries goes to show what the horrific consequences of using a knife as a weapon can be.

“Lancashire Police take reports of knife crime extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate such reports so to bring offenders to justice.”

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: News Source Link 

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