Jail for man who stabbed stranger in Watford park on New Years Eve
A court heard he approached his victim at random
A man who stabbed a stranger during an unprovoked attack in Watford before spitting at a police officer has been jailed for five years.
Trey Kabwe, 25, of High Street, Watford, appeared at St Albans Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 7 November, after previously being found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm.
A jury heard how on New Year’s Eve last year, the victim was taking a mid-afternoon walk in Cassiobury Park when he was approached by Kabwe, who he had never met before.
Without warning, Kabwe approached the victim, aged in his 40s, from behind and stabbed him twice, once in the head and again in the neck. He subsequently sought help from others in the park, and he attended hospital for treatment, which included stitches, before being discharged.
On receiving the 999 call, firearms officers were dispatched to the park immediately and approximately one hour later, Kabwe was arrested on St Albans Road. Later, when Kabwe was being processed in custody, he spat in the face of a police officer. He was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker.
Detective Inspector Chris Parperi, who leads Watford’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), said: “This was a shocking broad-daylight attack in a park that was busy with families enjoying the Christmas break.
“While we are pleased that Kabwe has received a sentence for his horrendous actions on that day, we know that no custodial term will make up for the psychological impact suffered by the victim, who was simply taking a walk when he was subjected to this completely unprovoked attack.
“Our thoughts remain with him as he continues to move forward and process what happened with support.”
In addition to his five-year custodial term, Kabwe will serve a further three years on licence after his release.