Judge praises police for their aid
A MAN who stabbed a shop manager in a 'macho street retaliation' was jailed for seven years, writes Sofia Mitra-Thakur
Andre George, 19, of Crome Road, Harlesden, was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court last week when he was found guilty of GBH with intent for stabbing Ghazi Rahim, 37, the night manager of Way to Save, in Harlesden High Street.
George and two associates were seen stealing fruit from the shop by staff, who challenged and chased them away.
Minutes later George returned with a knife, threatening staff and passers by, in what the prosecution described as a 'macho street retaliation for a minor loss of face.'
When Mr Rahim stood up to the thug and grabbed his knife arm, he told the manager that if he let him go he would leave quietly. When Mr Rahim did so George stabbed him in the leg and ran off.
Police officers PC Swift and PC Cleet of Brent Borough's 24/7 response team were called to the scene and administered first aid to Mr Rahim then he was taken to hospital for major surgery.
In sentencing George, Judge Arran commended PC Swift, saying his actions in tending to the victim's injuries may have saved his life.
Det Con George Smart, Brent Police CID, said: "Mr Rahim went through a number of operations the following year and is still affected both mentally and physically by this terrible crime.
"With the co-operation and, above all, the bravery of Mr Rahim and his wife, the police and courts have been able to get a successful prosecution, reassuring Brent residents that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and individuals involved will be brought to justice.
"Police in Brent are committed to fully supporting victims and witnesses of all crime and would like to thank all those who came forward to help us.
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