World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Man accused in Marta Novello stabbing returns to Italy for new appeal
A 20-year-old man accused of stabbing Marta Novello has returned to Italy after living in Britain for about four years.
Novello was 26 when she was attacked while jogging in Mogliano Veneto, near Venice, on 22 March 2021.
The man was 15 at the time, and is accused of stabbing her 23 times; she suffered serious injuries and underwent a long recovery.
British authorities expelled him over legal issues there, according to reports, and he is now free while his Italian case continues.
He has been convicted in earlier proceedings, but the Supreme Court overturned the decisions, sending the case back for another appeal.
The next hearing is set for 13 November at the Venice appeals court.
Judges will again consider whether he was mature enough at the time of the attack to be held criminally responsible.
Jamal Tonelli, now 20, has returned to Italy after being expelled from Britain, where he had lived in London for about four years.
He is accused of stabbing Marta Novello 23 times while she was jogging in Mogliano Veneto on 22 March 2021, when he was 15.
A new appeal hearing is scheduled for 13 November at the Venice Court of Appeal.
The case has twice been sent back by Italy’s Court of Cassation, and the latest appeal will again examine Tonelli’s maturity and criminal responsibility at the time.
Tonelli is free while the case remains pending, and his lawyer says the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction.
- Who
- Jamal Tonelli, now 20, is accused of attacking Marta Novello.
- What
- Tonelli has returned to Italy after being expelled from Britain. A new appeal hearing in the case is scheduled.
- When
- He returned in October 2026. The next hearing is scheduled for 13 November 2026.
- Where
- The attack took place in Mogliano Veneto; the case will be heard by the Venice Court of Appeal.
- Why
- British authorities expelled him over matters linked to justice proceedings in Britain, according to RaiNews. Corriere del Veneto says the expulsion was connected to drug-possession offences.
Mogliano mayor and Novello family
Tonelli's lawyer
Return to Mogliano
Mogliano mayor and Novello family
The mayor called Tonelli's return bad news for the city and especially for Novello and her family. The family said they would be particularly attentive and cautious.
Tonelli's lawyer
Tonelli's lawyer said his client is free and that the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction.
Criminal case
Mogliano mayor and Novello family
The family and local community expressed concern about Tonelli's return while he remains accused in the case.
Tonelli's lawyer
The lawyer said the pending appeal could result in a conviction or a full acquittal.
Novello was attacked while jogging in Mogliano Veneto.
Tonelli was convicted at first instance and sentenced to six years and eight months.
An appeal court reduced Tonelli's sentence to five years.
A later ruling confirming the five-year sentence was challenged, and the Court of Cassation annulled the sentence, according to RaiNews.
Tonelli returned to Italy after being expelled from Britain.
A new appeal hearing is scheduled at the Venice Court of Appeal.
- Accused
- Jamal Tonelli, now 20
- Victim
- Marta Novello
- Attack date
- 22 March 2021
- Number of stab wounds
- 23
- Next hearing
- 13 November 2026, Venice Court of Appeal
- Current status
- Free while the case is pending
3 sources
Marta Novello, il 20enne accusato di averla accoltellata 23 volte è tornato in Italia: è libero
Marta Novello aggredita mentre faceva jogging: l'accoltellatore espulso dall'Inghilterra è tornato a vivere vicino a lei
Mogliano, accoltellò Marta Novello: l'aggressore 20enne torna in Italia. Nuovo processo 13 novembre
What people are saying
It is bad news for the city, but especially for Marta and her family.
My client is a free citizen