A vicious attacker who stabbed a teenage Syrian refugee in a drug-fuelled rage has been handed a life sentence at Hull Crown Court, in a case that has highlighted the devastating impact of knife crime on vulnerable communities.
Random Act of Violence
Marwan Alhajali, a 19-year-old who had fled the civil war in Syria to build a new life in Britain, became the victim of a completely unprovoked attack while walking through Hull city centre. His assailant, 27-year-old Reece Maxwell, was described in court as being heavily under the influence of both cocaine and cannabis when he launched the brutal assault.
The court heard how Maxwell approached Mr Alhajali from behind and stabbed him multiple times in what prosecutors described as a "senseless and random act of violence." The attack left the teenager with life-threatening injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Miraculous Survival
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a stabbing, finding Mr Alhajali bleeding heavily from multiple wounds. He was immediately transported to hospital where surgeons fought to save his life.
"The victim very nearly lost his life in this shocking attack," the prosecuting barrister told the court. "Only the swift response of medical professionals and the emergency services prevented this from becoming a murder case."
Criminal History Revealed
During sentencing, it emerged that Maxwell had a significant criminal record with previous convictions for violence. Judge John Thackray KC described the attacker as a "significant danger to the public" and emphasised the random nature of the assault.
"You attacked a complete stranger for no apparent reason while heavily intoxicated," Judge Thackray told Maxwell. "This was a brutal and cowardly act that has left your victim with both physical and psychological scars."
Life Sentence Imposed
Maxwell received a life sentence with a minimum term of nine years and four months before becoming eligible for parole. The judge made it clear that the extended sentence was necessary to protect the public from a dangerous individual.
The case has drawn attention to the plight of refugees who have escaped conflict zones only to face violence in their new homes, as well as raising concerns about drug-related knife crime in British cities.
Mr Alhajali continues his recovery from the attack, supported by family and friends within Hull's refugee community.
