Man who stabbed tourist is given hospital order

A man who stabbed a 71-year-old American tourist in York has been sent to a secure psychiatric hospital after being found unfit to stand trial.

Matthew McPherson, 26, was responsible for attacking the man on 9 October 2025 in Peasholme Green, a finding of facts hearing at York Crown Court was told.

The victim suffered internal bleeding and serious injuries to his abdominal wall and liver. He has since recovered and returned home.

McPherson was deemed unfit to stand trial for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and two counts of possessing a knife and given a hospital order at the same court on Wednesday.

The court was told the victim had accidentally locked himself out of his hotel when he went for a cigarette.

While he was waiting to be let back inside, he was attacked from behind and felt what he initially thought was a punch to his stomach but turned out to be McPherson stabbing him with a knife. McPherson then cycled off.

At about 06.20 BST, firearms officers arrested McPherson and he was remanded in custody.

Det Con Alex Dorlin from North Yorkshire Police said: "This was a shocking and frightening attack on an innocent member of the public, bringing what was an enjoyable holiday in one of our most beautiful places, to a horrific end.

"Thankfully he survived his injuries and has since returned home to the USA."

He added that McPherson had been shown to be a serious risk to public safety and said he hoped he could "now get the help he needs".

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