Man who stabbed a woman in the leg in Loughborough sentenced

It happened in Burleigh Road, Loughborough, on 9 June last year.

A man who stabbed a woman in the leg has been given five years detention in a young offender institution.

After a trial at Leicester Crown Court in December last year, Hani Gebrehiwet-Habte, 19, of Royland Road, Loughborough, was found guilty of wounding with intent. He was sentenced at the same court on Thursday 19th March.

The victim, who is in her 20s, had become aware of the man who was on a bicycle in the area at around 2.40am on 9 June. He ran up to her and spoke to her leading to the victim trying to walk away.

Gebrehiwet-Habte then grabbed the woman’s arm, pulling her to the ground. The victim tried to fight him off before feeling what she initially believed were three punches to her upper right thigh.

The woman screamed and was heard by witnesses in the area. This led to the defendant running off and he was seen leaving on the bicycle. The woman then realised she had been stabbed in the leg.

A number of people helped the victim and police and the ambulance service were contacted.

The woman was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where she received treatment. She has since been discharged.

Gebrehiwet-Habte was arrested later the same day. A bicycle was also seized which matched a bicycle seen in the CCTV.

Gebrehiwet-Habte denied the offence when interviewed by police.

Detective Constable Clare Moore said: “This attack was carried out on a lone woman as she walked in the street following a night out. She did not know the person who attacked her.

“The victim was understandably left terrified by the incident and Gebrehiwet-Habte thought of no-one but himself as he left the scene. It is thanks to the help of others nearby that the victim was looked after and that valuable information was provided to us about the incident. I thank them for this.

“I hope this court result helps the victim in some way as she continues in her recovery following this horrendous incident.”