Jail For Leicester Square Knifeman

A knifeman, who plunged a blade into the back of his victim during a public early hours money row in Leicester Square, has been locked-up.

Klaudio Kacubaj, 27, of Leeside Crescent, Golders Green received four years and six months' imprisonment.

He was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of wounding Harry Morris, with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a kitchen knife.

Police were called at 2.55am on August 16, last year to reports that a man had been assaulted in Leicester Square, central London.

Officers responded along with London Ambulance Service and found Mr Morris, aged in his twenties, with a stab injury to his back. 

He was taken to hospital, where his condition was assessed as non life-threatening.

The court heard Kacubaj was involved in an argument with the victim, who was sitting on a wall at the time of the stabbing. 

He moved closer and stabbed him in the back before he attempted to flee the scene.

The incident was witnessed by two off-duty police officers. 

They detained Kacubaj until more police arrived. 

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Officers began a thorough search of the area and recovered a six inch knife nearby. 

Forensic tests later linked the weapon to the crime. 

They also recovered CCTV from a nearby business that showed Kacubaj carrying out the attack.

Detective Constable Laura Harcombe, of the Central West Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a brazen attack that happened in a busy area and I would like to praise the off-duty police officers who were nearby at the time and stopped the defendant leaving. 

“They also provided first aid to the victim and supported him until paramedics arrived.

“The victim was lucky not to have suffered more significant injuries and I hope this custodial sentence allows him some closure, while demonstrating that this sort of senseless violence will not be tolerated.”