Yusef Ali, 20, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on the 18 year-old who fled when he lashed out at attendees with a knife.
Ali, of Corry Drive, Brixton, was also found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of affray and possessing an offensive weapon.
He was found not guilty of attempted murder.
The court heard that at around 9.00pm on August 3, last year Ali and a friend booked a the flat in Empire Square, Long Lane, Borough to host an overnight party.
At around 3.00am the following morning, people started to arrive at the apartment, including the victim and her friends.
Ali had never previously met the victim, but took an immediate interest in her, grabbing at her and pulling her hair to get her attention.
It was clear the interest was not reciprocated and she attempted to ignore his behaviour, causing him to become angry and aggressive.
At around 9.00am, another group of boys arrived and a scuffle broke out between them and Ali, who had armed himself with a knife from the kitchen.
He was left with a minor cut to his lip and head and lost all restraint, waving the knife in people’s faces, lashing out and stabbing.
The party-goers immediately began to flee the scene, but Ali managed to stab at least two other males as they tried to leave the property.
Both were taken to hospital and have since recovered from their injuries.
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| Empire Square |
The victim managed to escape the flat and was attempting to call for the lift when Ali approached her.
She ran to the balcony and called to those below for help, but before anyone could assist, Ali ran at her and pushed her over the ledge.
She landed on the hard floor below and suffered significant injuries including fractures to her neck and lower back.
She was in hospital for several weeks and although she is making a good recovery, has been unable to go back to work or college.
After the incident, Ali attempted to leave the building, but officers were quickly on scene and arrested him.
A blade found at the venue matched a knife handle in Ali’s pocket at the time of his arrest.
Detective Constable Tom Waller, from the Metropolitan Police's Central South CID, said: “Ali violently pushed an innocent 18-year-old woman off a fourth floor internal balcony in a fit of rage which had already seen him stab two men.
"It was only by sheer luck that she was not more seriously injured and although she is recovering well, this incident has had a huge impact on her life.
“Ali did not care who he injured that night and was clearly intent on harming anyone in his path.
“Those at the party were left terrified and we are grateful for those who have provided their own witness accounts and had to re-live what happened.
“Thanks to them and the dedicated work of our officers, Ali has been brought to justice and is now likely to face a significant time in prison.”
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