A Sudanese migrant has been convicted of attempted murder and wounding with intent following a knife attack on two neighbours at a shared property in Sunderland.
Adam Ahmed, 30, was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court after stabbing Leon Askew and Robert Graham at the multi-occupancy residence on Roker Avenue in June.
The jury determined Ahmed had attempted to kill Mr Askew but cleared him of the same charge regarding Mr Graham, instead convicting him of wounding with intent for that attack.
Both victims required surgical treatment for their injuries following the violence, which occurred on June 21 shortly after 4.30pm.
Adam Ahmed, 30, was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court after stabbing Leon Askew and Robert Graham
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NORTHUMBRIA POLICE
Mr Askew was seated in the garden speaking with his mother on the phone when Ahmed approached from behind armed with a blade.
The attacker placed his hands over the victim’s eyes, pulled his head backwards to expose his throat, and drove the knife deep into the right side of his neck.
Prosecutor Andrew Espley told the court: “There was not a trace of emotion on his face as he did that.”
Mr Askew attempted to flee while Ahmed pursued him, inflicting two further stab wounds to his arms during the chase.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Ahmed made chilling admissions about his intentions during a police interview
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PAThe victim managed to barricade himself inside a locked room, where he became hysterical, believing he would die from his injuries.
His mother, who had heard the assault unfold over the phone, contacted police using her partner’s mobile.
Ahmed then made his way upstairs, where he encountered Mr Graham emerging from his room completely unaware of the bloodshed below.
Mr Graham stepped aside to allow Ahmed past, but the attacker suddenly thrust the blade into his stomach, puncturing his bowel.
The wounded man pressed a tea towel against the injury to stem the bleeding before discovering Mr Askew downstairs, drifting in and out of consciousness.
During his police interview, Ahmed made chilling admissions about his intentions.
When asked why he had targeted Mr Askew’s neck, he replied: “I wanted to kill him.” He added: “If he did not run away I would have killed him.”
Questioned about Mr Graham, Ahmed said he had “possibly” wanted to kill him too.
Upon learning both men were hospitalised, Ahmed responded: “Good.”
Ahmed has resided in Sunderland for five years
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GETTY
Ahmed fled conflict in Sudan in 2013, travelling through Libya, Italy and France before arriving in Britain by car. He has resided in Sunderland for five years.
The court heard he had lodged three complaints about noise at the property, claiming police took no action. Victims described him as eerily calm and said he had barely spoken to them prior to the attacks.
Chief Inspector Gemma Calvert of Northumbria Police said: “This was a very serious incident which resulted in two men sustaining significant injuries. I am glad they have been able to see the person responsible brought to justice.”
She confirmed officers quickly established this was an isolated incident between individuals known to each other.
Ahmed will be sentenced on January 30 following the preparation of pre-sentence reports.
