A 42-year-old man attacked his housemate with a kitchen knife in a shared Mansfield home, leaving the victim with head and wrist injuries after an argument over a dropped vape.
Nyaia Lakaiko, aged 42, stabbed his 23-year-old victim in the head and slashed him on the wrist, leaving him petrified and fearing for his life.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that the incident happened at shared accommodation in Surrey Drive, Mansfield, on 15 June this year.
Lakaiko became angry after hearing a loud thud coming from the next room, which the court was told was caused by the victim accidentally dropping a vape. This prompted Lakaiko to bang on the wall and shout at the victim, who responded in the same manner.
Seconds later, Lakaiko entered the victim’s room and lunged at him with a kitchen knife. The victim managed to flee downstairs, where a third housemate helped de-escalate the situation.
The court heard that the victim sustained a cut to his wrist and three head wounds, which were closed with glue at King’s Mill Hospital.
Lakaiko was arrested and later charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm. While awaiting court proceedings, he was further charged with breaking a bail condition after failing to sign on at Mansfield Police Station on 23 September.
Lakaiko, currently of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced on Tuesday (10 December) to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
As part of his sentence, he must also attend 10 rehabilitation activity days. A two-year restraining order was also imposed.
PC Jordan Brimelow, who led the investigation, said:
“This was an appalling episode that left the victim fearing for his life.
“There is no excuse for the level of violence displayed by Lakaiko, and I hope he takes the second chance afforded to him by the court.
“As is so often the case with knife crime, the consequences of this incident could have been far worse, and therefore we will continue to take action against those who behave in such an appalling and dangerous manner.”
