A man has been sentenced to jail for a stabbing attack in Leeds that left another man fighting for his life in the hospital. Akwia Bryant, aged 24, chased after the 28-year-old victim and repeatedly stabbed him during an incident on Town Street, Armley, at approximately 10:40 pm on November 21 of the previous year.
The victim sustained severe wounds to his neck, chest, back, and abdomen and was promptly rushed to the hospital after going into cardiac arrest. He underwent emergency surgery and remained in critical condition. Doctors informed the authorities that he was fortunate to survive a stab wound to his neck, which had penetrated his jugular vein.
The entire incident was captured on LeedsWatch CCTV, enabling a swift identification of Bryant as the suspect. Bryant lived in the same flats as the victim in Wesley Road. Extensive investigations were conducted to locate Bryant, resulting in his arrest the following day after he turned himself in.
Initially facing charges of attempted murder and possession of a knife in a public place, Bryant ultimately pleaded guilty to Section 18 wounding with intent.
Today, at Leeds Crown Court, Bryant received an extended sentence of 15 years and eight months. This includes a prison term of 11 years and eight months, along with an additional extended license period of four years.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, who heads Leeds District CID, expressed the severity of the victim’s injuries and the luck involved in his survival. He emphasised that the incident was treated as attempted murder from the start, and the diligent efforts of detectives resulted in Bryant’s identification, arrest, and subsequent charge.
Considering the public concern regarding knife-related violence, DCI Entwistle reassured the community that such incidents are taken extremely seriously. He pledged that the authorities will make every effort to ensure that dangerous offenders, like Bryant, are brought to justice and removed from the streets. DCI Entwistle hoped that the substantial prison sentence served as a clear message to those who believe they can carry and use knives without facing the consequences, while also providing reassurance to the community.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat violent crimes involving knives and the determination of law enforcement to maintain public safety.
