A thug from Wembley who stabbed a man repeatedly because he threw a napkin in his face has been jailed for 14 years today.

Mergim Krasniqi, 20, of Victoria Avenue, left his 45-year-old victim fighting for his life after chasing and knifing him in Empire Way, Wembley, in September 2013.

Harrow Crown Court heard Krasniqi had become embroiled in a street row with his victim when he threw a napkin in his face and ran away.

Krasniqi chased and brutally stabbed him a number of times leaving him fighting for his life and needing surgery.

Krasniqi went into hiding for 10 days but was arrested by police and subsequently charged after he was positively identified by witnesses.

He was convicted of attempted murder and perverting the course of justice at his trial in February and sentenced today.

Detective Sergeant Edward Salter said: “I am pleased that this dangerous young man, who thought nothing of arming himself with a knife, has been convicted. The victim was left for dead and the first aid from police officers and paramedics at the scene, and later the expertise of the surgeons probably saved his life.

“I pay tribute to a number of local residents who came forward to testify and also to the victim and his family for their bravery.”