A man has been handed a more than two-year jail sentence after being arrested amid chaotic scenes last year.

Emergency services flooded the area around Little Oxhey Lane, South Oxhey, on May 4, 2023, after a stabbing was reported and a vehicle crashed into a home, causing structural damage and forcing an evacuation.

A police manhunt involving a helicopter was launched before three men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. A fourth man was later arrested on suspicion of affray.

Watford Observer: Thomas McDonaghThomas McDonagh (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

None of the men were eventually charged with attempted murder and sentencing at St Albans Crown Court last week (January 26) was for different charges.

Thomas McDonagh, aged 36 at the time of the offence, of Hemel Hempstead, was given a 117-week (two years, two months, and 29 days) jail term after admitting to one count of wound without intent last year.

A judge ordered the jury to find him not guilty of three other charges, which were therefore dropped at a previous hearing. These were: wounding with intent to resist/prevent arrest, possession of a weapon, and affray.

Watford Observer: Emergency services at the scene as residents gathered nearby.Emergency services at the scene as residents gathered nearby. (Image: Contribution)

Another of the men, Simon McDonagh, aged 33 at the time of the offence, of Naas Lane, Gloucester, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, as well as 150 hours of unpaid work, a 19-day thinking skills requirement, and 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

He was guilty of affray.

Following “extensive enquiries” the force confirmed, in August last year, that one of the men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the man arrested on suspicion of affray were released “with no further action”.

Watford Observer: The ambulance service was called to the scene. The ambulance service was called to the scene. (Image: Contribution)

On the day of the incident Herts Police shared that a man had reportedly been hit by a vehicle and then stabbed, before being taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries were judged to be serious but not life threatening.

The force added that those involved were believed to be known to each other.

Police cars, ambulances, and a helicopter had been called to Little Oxhey Lane at around 3.20pm on May 4 with reports of a stabbing.