In March 2023, Dominic Pecha encountered a 56-year-old stranger on a busy Sheffield city centre street and initiated an unprovoked assault. After the man declined Pecha's request to talk, Pecha attacked him physically before stabbing him below the ribs. The injury was serious enough to pierce the victim's liver, though the man managed to remove the blade himself and reach nearby security personnel who provided assistance. He ultimately recovered fully from his wounds.

Three hours after the incident, Pecha walked into a nearby police station and questioned officers about the attack, leading to his arrest. He was initially charged with attempted murder but was found unfit to plead due to severe mental health issues. Following psychiatric treatment, he entered a guilty plea to wounding with intent. The sentencing judge concluded that a hospital order under mental health legislation was more appropriate than imprisonment, noting that Pecha's condition had deteriorated in prison but improved with proper psychiatric care, whilst emphasising the continued risk he posed to public safety.