A man responsible for a stabbing attack in Leeds that left a man fighting for his life in hospital has been jailed.
Akwia Bryant chased after and repeatedly stabbed the 28-year-old victim during an incident in Town Street, Armley, at about 10.40pm on November 21 last year. The victim received serious wounds to his neck, chest, back, and abdomen and was rushed to hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
He underwent emergency surgery and was in a critical condition. Doctors told officers he was lucky to survive having received a stab wound to the neck which had gone through his jugular vein.
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The incident was caught on LeedsWatch CCTV and Bryant, who lived at the same flats as the victim nearby in Wesley Road, was quickly identified as the suspect. Extensive enquiries were carried out to locate him and he was arrested the following day when he handed himself in.
He was initially charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife in public place and subsequently pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent.
Bryant, aged 24, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court today to an extended sentence of 15 years and eight months, consisting of a prison term of 11 years and eight months with an additional extended licence period of four years.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, who heads Leeds District CID, said: “Bryant inflicted such serious injuries on the victim in this targeted attack that he was incredibly lucky to survive.
“The seriousness of the victim’s condition saw the incident treated as attempted murder from the outset, and a comprehensive investigation by detectives built up a clear evidential picture that identified Bryant as the suspect and resulted in his arrest and charge.
“There is understandable public concern around violence involving knives and we want to reassure people that we will always treat these incidents very seriously and do everything we can to make sure that dangerous offenders like Bryant are brought to justice and taken off our streets.
“We hope the significant prison term that he has received will send a very clear message to those who think they can carry and use knives without having to face the consequences, and also provide some reassurance to the community.”
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