EXCLUSIVE
A heroic Samaritan who was allegedly stabbed by a knifeman while trying to save a woman’s life has been released from hospital.
Paul Sargeant, 67, is believed to have suffered an eight-inch gash across his abdomen after being attacked with a box cutter during the alleged stabbing in Engadine, in Sydney’s south, just before 9am on Sunday morning.
Chaos ensued when Antony Benson, 57, stabbed his partner, a 48-year-old woman, multiple times in the neck and chest after she ‘changed the radio station’ as they drove along Old Bush Road in a white 2013 Jaguar XF.
He then allegedly crashed into a blue Mitsubishi Lancer as they turned onto the Princes Highway, before stabbing Mr Sargeant as he went to the pair’s aid.
Benson then allegedly turned the knife on himself and stabbed a police officer before being tasered and arrested. He has been charged with eight offences and remains in Liverpool Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Mr Sargeant was seriously injured and rushed to hospital, where he required several stitches to his abdomen.
Father-of-two Beverley told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday he is now recovering at home from his injuries.
“He’s doing fine,” she said.
Paul Sargeant (pictured with his wife Beverley) was injured in the alleged stabbing on Sunday
Steve Mace (far left) was one of the witnesses who stopped the alleged attacker (right) from getting into the car, which contained the man’s partner with serious injuries
“We have a close family that supports us and he is doing well.”
A total of six people were treated by paramedics following the alleged stabbing, including two with injuries from the car crash and four with alleged stab wounds.
Bystanders ran to the car after the crash and found the 48-year-old woman with stab wounds.
Witnesses claim Benson was ranting and spouting conspiracy theories before allegedly turning the knife on himself, slitting his wrists and neck. He was taken to hospital in critical but stable condition, but has since been downgraded to serious but stable.
Benson’s partner was taken to St. George’s Hospital in critical condition, but her condition has since deteriorated to serious but stable.
The 20-year-old female Lancer driver broke her wrist, her male passenger suffered minor injuries and Officer Campbell Fordyce suffered cuts to his wrist.
Cronulla Sharks CEO Steven Mace, who was on his way to a football match when he witnessed the crash, was also reportedly attacked when he tried to help the 48-year-old woman.
Superintendent Donald Faulds praised the heroic actions of bystanders who were reportedly attacked as they tried to save the woman’s life.
‘They just turned up and thought it was a traffic accident, so they’re obviously going to render aid to both individuals, and then… [allegedly] confronted with a box cutter.
Pictured: Antony Benson with his partner, 48, before his alleged violent act on Sunday
The alleged knifeman (pictured) was heard ranting about ‘conspiracy theories’ after the alleged stabbing and crash
A blue and white sedan was involved in the crash in Sydney’s south
“It’s quite scary, but also very, very brave.”
Benson was charged on Monday with charges including causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, domestic battery, wounding a person with intent to resist or prevent arrest, reckless injury, dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He has also been charged with failing to stop and render assistance following a vehicle collision, assaulting officers and obstructing or resisting officers in the performance of their duties.
Benson was due to appear in Sutherland District Court at 3pm on Monday but his lawyer requested an adjournment as his client was unconscious in Liverpool Hospital.
Judge Philip Stewart suggested that the case be adjourned until Tuesday, when Benson would be awake. However, the lawyer said that was not possible because he was going to have surgery.
The matter was raised again in Sutherland on Thursday, and was raised again at the Downing Centre in Sydney on October 22.