A man has been jailed after he launched a knife attack on a “defenceless” man before throwing him into a lake.

Abdi Hassan, 27, of Janson Close, Neasden, was found guilty of GBH, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Harrow Crown Court in June 2023.

The court heard how Hassan and two other men lured their victim - a man aged in his 20s - to Neasden Recreation Ground in December 2021 on the pretence of selling him cryptocurrency.

Once inside the park, Hassan and his two accomplices attacked the man, knocking him to the ground. 

Police said that Hassan then produced a Rambo knife, slashing the victim on the back, arms and legs, before throwing him into a nearby lake.

PC Gulennur Gaygusuz of the North West Command Unit said: “This was a particularly violent attack on a defenceless man who was left injured and traumatised after being thrown in freezing water in the middle of winter.

“Hassan inflicted knife injuries on the victim, repeatedly slashing him during a sustained attack, causing long-term psychological trauma.

“Work continues to bring the two other people responsible to justice.”

Hassan was jailed for 14 years with an extended four year licence at St Albans Crown Court on Monday (October 30).