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Woman Stabbed 11 Times In Random Street Attack Was 'Saved' By Primark Scarf

Woman Stabbed 11 Times In Random Street Attack Was 'Saved' By Primark Scarf

James Thomas' knife became lodged in layers of Alexandra Vignon's £5 Primark scarf meaning that it missed major arteries

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

You probably wouldn't think putting a scarf on could make a detrimental impact to your life, well, other than keeping your neck warm obviously.

Which is exactly what Alexandra Vignon, 25, thought when she wrapped her £5 ($6) Primark scarf around her neck and headed out to work on 29 November 2018. But it was that very scarf that ended up saving her life when she was stabbed 11 times in a random street attack.

Some of the injuries Alexandra sustained.
Mirrorpix

The Mirror reported that the knife became lodged in layers of the material as 24-year-old James Thomas attacked Alexandra.

The four inch blade did pierce the skin but the scarf meant that it missed any major arteries or vital organs.

Alexandra told the Mirror: "It was a last-minute decision to put that scarf on, but a life-saving one. I should have died that day. There was blood everywhere. Doctors said I was lucky I'd wrapped up."

James Thomas is serving a 16 year prison sentence.
Essex Police

James Thomas who had fantasised about attacking someone with a knife for 10 years, bought the weapon from TK Maxx and 'decided' that Alexandra was going to be his victim as she worked door-to-door marketing in Southend, Essex.

He managed to stab her in the cheek, neck, shoulders, arms, back and breast before a car stopped, causing him to flee.

Alexandra was taken to Whitechapel Hospital, East London, where she had four hours of surgery and the blade was removed.

Alexandra is hoping to become a bikini fitness competitor.
Mirrorpix

She told the Mirror that the knife had only gone 'a few centimetres deep' and said: "They said it saved my life. My backpack and coat had also offered protection."

Alexandra is now numb on the right hand side of her face and neck as a result of nerve damage and is still on pain relief but she dreams of becoming a bikini fitness competitor.

She added: "I refuse to hide them. James Thomas ruined his life, not mine. I have big plans."

Thomas - who handed himself in to the police - was sentenced last month at Basildon Crown Court to 16 years in prison for attempted murder and possessing a blade.

A general view of Basildon Crown Court in Basildon, Essex.
PA

After sentencing, Detective Constable Layla Barker, from Southend CID, said: "This was a cold, premeditated, and totally unprovoked attack which could have easily led to an innocent woman losing her life.

"It was sheer misfortune for the victim that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Through absolutely no fault of her own, her life was turned upside-down from that traumatic moment.

"I want to praise the incredible courage of the victim throughout this ordeal. I hope the sentence given today will enable her to begin the process of rebuilding her life.

"The effect on Alexandra's life has been significant. She will take a long time to recover both physically and psychologically. From the outset she has shown incredible strength of character. Her positive attitude and zest for life will no doubt continue to aid her recovery.

"There are no winners in this situation and the acts of that day will profoundly impact on the families of both the victim and the defendant."

Featured Image Credit: Mirrorpix/Essex Police

Topics: Essex, News, UK, Stabbing, Essex, News, UK, Stabbing