Dane Andrew Clark sentenced to prison for stabbing two of his neighbours

A man will be spending time behind bars after he stabbed two of his next-door neighbours with no apparent motive. His sentence.

Launceston Supreme Court. Picture: Patrick Gee

A man has been sent to jail for stabbing two of his next-door neighbours while on drugs.

Dane Andrew Clark was sentenced to three years and four months jail in the Supreme Court in Launceston for two counts of wounding and one count of unlawfully injuring property.

The stabbing incident occurred in the early hours of October 21, 2021, at Warring Street at Ravenswood.

Clark’s next-door neighbour, Shane Walker-Boulter, walked over to his property after hearing noise from the house.

Without warning, Clark stabbed Mr Walker-Boulter on the cheek and followed him back to his house.

Justice Robert Pearce. Supreme of Tasmania judges. Picture: SUPPLIED

Mr Walker-Boulter was living with his partner Amy Tattersall and Elora Crawn at the time.

Clark broke into the house and struggled with Mr Walker-Boulter.

Ms Crawn attempted to help Mr Walker-Boulter but was stabbed in her thigh and forehead.

Clark then went to the living room where Ms Tattersall was.

Clark pushed a television to the ground, before leaving the house.

Members of the public witnessed the event, and police eventually arrested Clark.

During sentencing, Justice Robert Pearce said the psychological impact of the incident on Mr Walker-Boulter and Ms Crawn was “significant and ongoing”.

“Their lives have been permanently affected. They were subjected to what must have been a terrifying attack in their own home,” Justice Pearce said.

“Mr Walker-Boulter understandably feared for his life.

“He required counselling to help him and is understandably self-conscious about the scar on his face.

“He is now less trusting of others, anxious and worried.”

Launceston Supreme Court. Picture: Patrick Gee

Justice Pearce said the pair had both moved out of the house on Warring Street.

“Ms Crawn’s already fragile mental health was made worse, and her accommodation became unstable.

“She continues to fear for her own safety.”

Clark, who is now 39, has an extensive criminal history.

“You have had a lifelong problem with abuse of illicit drugs,” Justice Pearce said.

“You lapsed into drug use and homelessness, problems you have struggled with ever since.”

Clark will not be eligible for parole until he has served half his sentence.