Eight Years For Gang Knife Slashing

A knifeman has been jailed for a gang-related stabbing, in which he slashed his victim's arm to the bone after chasing him into a Wembley car park.

Amari Reid, 30, received eight years imprisonment after he was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm, plus another nine months for having a bladed article.

On June 20, last year in Hirst Crescent, North Wembley Reid was seen chasing the victim across the road and into a car park at 7.48pm, before slashing his arm with a knife and leaving the area.

The victim attended hospital with a six centimetre wound that was deep enough to show bone and required surgery, but was unwilling to provide an account to police or prosecute Reid for the attack.

Local officers of the Preston Safer Neighbourhood Team were able to identify Reid within twelve hours of the incident after reviewing CCTV footage of the area. 

A warrant was issued and his address was searched. A bag was found, matching that which officers noticed in the CCTV.

Reid subsequently handed himself in to the police following pressure after the search, and was charged with both offences.

Detective Sergeant Scott Montaut, who led the investigation, said: “Despite victims being reluctant to pursue allegations this does not mean we will let violent individuals walk away.

“This sentence shows that if you are willing to commit such violent acts, we will go to whatever lengths we can to ensure you are brought to justice.”

Inspector Toby Walton of the North West Command Unit, said: “This sentence represents the resolve of the MPS, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to address knife crime within the capital in a robust way.

“I am delighted that this dangerous individual is off the streets, where he can no longer harm members of the Wembley community. 

“I would like to extend my thanks to the local community, who came out in strength to denounce this offence which happened in a residential estate.

“I would also like to commend the actions of the local Preston Safer Neighbourhood Team, whose diligent investigation led to their community being protected from further harm.”