Yusuf Aka has received a short prison sentence for his knife rampage at a hospital in multicultural Leicester.
The 22-year-old stabbed a complete stranger in the back with a large knife outside Leicester Royal Infirmary, before storming into the hospital’s accident and emergency waiting room and sending staff and patients fleeing in terror as he trashed a number of hospital computers, hurling one of them at a wheelchair user.
But it the judge only saw fit to sentence Aka to five years on a charge of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), with two shorter sentences for affray and possession of an offensive weapon “to be served concurrently“.
(This means that, in practice, he will serve no time for these lesser convictions at all.)
Why he was not prosecuted for attempted murder is not made clear in Leicestershire police force’s report on the sentencing.
It should also be noted that his “five year” sentence may actually involve as little as two and half years behind bars, as criminals receiving standard determinate sentences in Britain are automatically released back into the community on licence halfway through — or, more rarely, two-thirds of the way through — their prison terms.
“This was a terrifying experience not only for the victim who was stabbed, but also for the many members of the public and staff who were present that morning,” commented investigating officer DC Chris Symmonds.
“Aka carried on his rampage oblivious to the panic breaking out behind him.
“The actions of members of staff who quickly took control of the situation, and led people out of his way without a thought for their own safety, was commendable, and they should be proud of what they accomplished.”
“This was a frightening experience for both patients and staff in the department that night, the impact of which cannot be underestimated,” added Kerry Johnston, Emergency Department Head of Nursing.
“My thanks goes to the Emergency Department staff, involved in the incident, who showed exceptional bravery in bringing this serious attack to a swift and safe conclusion with the help of Leicestershire police and other members of the public.”