Late-Night Knifeman Locked-Up

A knifeman, who stabbed his victim multiple times during an early hours attack – almost killing him – has been jailed for 14 years and 1 month.

Duclant Tampawo, 30, approached the 49 year-old victim at 3.00am and after a short conversation the pair walked to a churchyard alleyway, where the violent attack occurred.

The blade was plunged into the victim four times – leaving him in an induced coma.

Tampawo, of Lansdowne, Hackney pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm in nearby Ashanti Mews on March 24, last year.

He was sentenced at the Old Bailey, where he was also ordered to remain on licence for an additional three years after his release. 

Detective Constable Ben Stone, who led the investigation said: “Tampawo carried out a brutal attack, stabbing the victim multiple times, which caused significant internal damage, and left him bleeding on the ground.

“He has never explained the reasons for this assault, which left the victim in a critical condition and requiring extensive hospital treatment for a number of months.

“He is clearly a dangerous offender and we are pleased he is now behind bars.”

At around 3.15am on March 24, last year police were called to reports of a man with multiple stab wounds in Lower Clapton Road, Hackney.

The victim told emergency services he had been attacked in nearby Ashanti Mews, a small alleyway bordering a churchyard.

He quickly lost consciousness and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. 

After undergoing a number of operations, he was placed into an induced coma for several weeks.

Officers from Central East CID launched an investigation and immediately found a red bag in the alleyway, which contained a bloodied black knife.

CCTV showed Tampawo cycling along the footpath in nearby Mare Street at around 3.00am, before chaining up his bike.

He walked along Narrow Way, where he approached the victim sitting on a bench and engaged him in conversation, beckoning him to follow him. 

The pair walk towards the alleyway and around 90 seconds later Tampawo is captured on CCTV running back along Lower Clapton Road.

He was later seen on camera close to a hostel on Lansdowne Drive.

When police attended the hostel to view their CCTV, Tampawo was identified as entering the hostel at around 3.30am on the day of the attack.

While officers were still at the venue, Tampawo returned to the building and was immediately arrested.