A man who stabbed his supposed friend after luring him into a house on false pretences has been jailed.
Connor Smith had allegedly been friends with the 22-year-old victim for eight years, with the victim believing their previous arguments to have been forgiven.
But on 5 August 2021, shortly before 2 am, the victim was seen by patrolling cops in Ilkeston Road, Stapleford, covered in blood.
After refusing to tell officers exactly what happened, it was discovered he had been asked to go to his friend’s house where both the suspect and another man were waiting for him.
But things quickly turned violent as the trio drank alcohol and an old argument resurfaced resulting in Smith grabbing a kitchen knife from the sink and stabbing the victim to the side, leg and arm.
Jago Inquieti – who was also said to be friends with the victim for the last two years after egging on the attack – picked up the vodka bottle and smashed it over the victim’s head.
Twenty-two-year-old Smith, of HMP Nottingham, was later charged and pleaded guilty to wound or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and stalking.
Inquieti, aged 25, of Cossall, Broxtowe, pleaded guilty to wound or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (11 January 2023) Smith was jailed for three years.
Inquieti was sentenced to an 18-month custodial sentence.
Detective Constable Chris Black, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“This was a nasty attack which left the victim running for his life in a bid to escape his attackers who were supposed to be his friends.
“Thankfully the victim, in this case, didn’t suffer any lasting physical injuries but the mental trauma of an event like this can have devastating impacts emotionally that last a lifetime.
“The use of knives to injure and cause harm to people is something we have said time and time again will never be tolerated as we know all too well the devastating consequences knife incidents have on a family, friends, and anyone who knows the victim.
“Thanks to the actions of the patrolling cop that night and other officers’ hard work we were able to find the pair responsible quickly and put them before the courts.
“Smith will now serve time behind bars for his actions that night and I hope will give him a chance to reflect on the devastating consequences that could have occurred had his blows been fatal and the impact the attack has had on the victim.”
• Plans in doubt as former Nottingham police and fire station given protected status
