Knife attacker jailed (From Watford Observer)

Knife attacker jailed

4:25pm Tuesday 15th July 2008

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A guest at a bed and breakfast in Watford took exception to a cleaner entering his room without knocking and attacked him with a knife, a court has heard.

Joseph Kabo left the property in St Albans Road, returned with the weapon and stabbed the cleaner, Giorgio Milan, in the head and face, said prosecutor Charles Ingham.

"It was a very frightening and traumatic experience. He had no inkling he had caused such offence," he said.

Kabo, 21, of Copswood Road, Watford pleaded guilty to wounding Mr Milan with intent on May 7 this year. He was jailed for three years on Tuesday.

Mr Ingham told Luton Crown Court that Kabo and a girlfriend took a room at the bed and breakfast on May 6 and were due to leave by midday the following day.

"At about 11 am the cleaner entered the room without knocking and Kabo took grave exception to that. They booked a further night but during the day he clearly festered about what had happened.

"He left the building and returned, by which time he had armed himself with a knife."

Part of the incident was caught on CCTV as the victim tried to escape. He was later treated for a cut to his lip and two deep cuts to his head.

Kabo made no comment when he was arrested in May.

Michaela Bonsu, defending, said: "He is normally a reserved and conscientious individual and this was an aberration. He acknowledges the severity of the offence particularly in the present climate. He had been drinking heavily which impaired his judgement.

"He realises alcohol can no longer feature in his life and is seeking help.

"In 2006, he was attacked by 15 youths and suffered severe injuries."

Judge Richard Foster said: "This was not an instant loss of temper in the heat of the moment. You went away and came back armed with a knife and said you were going to kill him.

"He must have been absolutely petrified, thinking he was going to be murdered.

"But I have read moving letters from you and your mother and it is a tragedy you are facing such a serious charge. The guidelines say I should pass a substantial custodial sentence and the sentence I am passing is a merciful one."

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