London, England – A man in Wembley, London, has been sentenced to life in prison for a brutal knife attack on a woman in the street. Itesh Ira, 35, launched a “frenzied” assault on his victim, repeatedly stabbing her in the face, neck, and body with such force that he broke the knife he was using. The shocking incident took place late at night on a Friday in September 2022.
According to CCTV footage, Ira ambushed the woman on Mount Pleasant in Wembley as she finished work. After the vicious stabbing, he proceeded to stomp on her head while she lay helpless on the ground, only stopping when a courageous bystander intervened and confronted him, causing him to flee the scene.
Police and paramedics arrived at the scene in the early hours of the morning to find the victim with severe stab wounds to her face, neck, and body. She was rushed to the hospital for treatment, where it was revealed that she had sustained eight lacerations, fractures to her hand, and significant head injuries as a result of the attack.
Ira, who turned himself in shortly after the incident, initially pleaded guilty to attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. However, he later attempted to retract his plea, but the overwhelming evidence led to his conviction. The judge sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum term of over 16 years.
Detective Sergeant Mitesh Mulji described the attack as senseless and brutal, emphasizing the victim’s extraordinary courage in supporting the prosecution. He also commended the bystander who intervened, preventing further harm to the victim. The victim, who remains physically and psychologically scarred, received praise for her bravery, which ensured that Ira could not harm anyone else.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women and girls, a key priority for law enforcement agencies. Anyone experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about a loved one’s safety is encouraged to seek help from authorities or the charity Crimestoppers. Immediate assistance is available by dialing 999 and pressing 55 to signal a silent call for help.