A violent confrontation over vaping near children escalated into a brutal knife attack that left a Syrian refugee fighting for his life after being stabbed in the neck on a British street, Manchester Crown Court has heard.
The Fateful Confrontation
The incident unfolded when 28-year-old Abdalrahman Alhajali, who came to Britain seeking sanctuary from the Syrian conflict, asked a woman to stop vaping near where children were playing. This simple request triggered a chain of events that would nearly cost him his life.
Brutal Attack in Broad Daylight
Prosecutor Joseph Hudson revealed to the court how the situation rapidly deteriorated. "The defendant became immediately aggressive," Hudson stated, describing how 25-year-old Mohammed Al-Masri launched a vicious assault that culminated in a neck stabbing.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and terror as Alhajali, having survived the horrors of war in Syria, now faced violence on the streets of what he believed was his safe haven.
Critical Injuries and Emergency Response
The attack left Alhajali with life-threatening injuries, requiring immediate emergency surgery. Medical professionals confirmed the stab wound to his neck could easily have proven fatal had it penetrated just millimeters deeper.
Courtroom Revelations
During the hearing, shocking details emerged about the defendant's behaviour. Al-Masri, who has previous convictions including robbery and possessing a bladed article, showed little remorse throughout the proceedings.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC addressed the gravity of the situation, stating: "This was a very serious offence indeed. The victim was doing no more than asking your girlfriend not to vape near children."
A Life Interrupted
The case highlights the ongoing struggle faced by refugees who have escaped conflict zones only to encounter violence in their new communities. Alhajali's journey from war-torn Syria to what he hoped would be safety in Britain has been tragically marred by this brutal attack.
The case continues as the court determines the final sentencing for Al-Masri, who has pleaded guilty to section 18 assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.
