Man slashed Takeaway Worker’s Throat for No Food

Karwan Kamal, aged 46, of Burmantofts, Leeds, received an extended sentence of more than nine years after he slashed a takeaway worker’s throat with a knife.

Leeds Crown Court heard that he became angry when he could not get any food.

He got into a scuffle with the victim before attacking him with the knife.

Kamal left his victim scarred for life following the attack outside the Mo Salah takeaway shop on Stanley Road, Harehills, Leeds.

The man was left bleeding heavily. He had suffered a 20cm long cut across his jaw and neck which went down to his collarbone.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where the wound was stitched.

The prosecutor, Mehran Nassiri, explained that Kamal arrived at the takeaway at around 11 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2019, just as the complainant was locking the door and closing the shop.

Mr Nassiri revealed that the takeaway worker was taking the bin out to the backyard of the shop when Kamal appeared and started to shout abuse before grabbing hold of him.

The court heard that there was a struggle between the pair and Kamal threatened to stab the man in the eye.

He then took a knife out of his pocket and slashed his neck and throat. Kamal then dropped the weapon and ran off towards St James’s Hospital.

Kamal was arrested three days later when the victim called police after spotting him on a bus.

Kamal told police that he was drunk at the time of the attack. He later admitted wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article.

The court heard that he has six previous convictions for 12 offences, including possessing a bladed article and assault.

In mitigation, Chloe Hudson said: “He has a long-standing history of mental disorder.”

Judge Christopher Batty told Kamal: “You were angry that you could not get into the premises and buy food.”

He went on to say:

“It’s simply good fortune that he was not more seriously injured. He could have died.”

Judge Batty revealed to the court that Kamal suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.

The court heard that a psychiatrist had examined Kamal. They came to the conclusion that he poses a high risk of committing further offences.

Judge Batty imposed an extended sentence of nine years and four months.

Yorkshire Post reported that Kamal must serve five years and four months in prison as well as a four-year extended licence.