Knife attacker hunted down victim before stabbing him in the back on busy street
Brutal assault in Upper Grosvenor Road
Michael Rodriguez, 22, launched a vicious knife attack on a man in his 20s on Upper Grosvenor Road at 1.20pm on 12 February 2022. Rodriguez, from Hadlow, knew the victim and first approached him near a local department store before violence erupted.
Without warning, Rodriguez whipped out a kitchen knife with a blade over five inches long and began stabbing the victim repeatedly in the abdomen. The victim tried to flee, but Rodriguez chased him down and plunged the blade into his back.
Victim left fighting for life
The victim was rushed to a London hospital with serious injuries, including wounds to his spleen and kidney. Police arrested Rodriguez the next day. He was charged with attempted murder but denied it. Instead, prosecutors accepted lesser charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife in public.
Prison sentence handed down
On Wednesday 23 November, Rodriguez was locked up for five years and nine months. He must serve at least two-thirds of the term before parole. He will also face an additional two years on extended licence.
Police react to chilling attack
Detective Constable Alex Peacock said: “Rodriguez was responsible for a simply brutal and terrifying assault which took place in front of several alarmed members of public. It is only by luck that the wounds he inflicted were not fatal.”
“Although Rodriguez has never revealed where he dumped the knife, the evidence shows he meant serious harm. The victim has endured a terrifying ordeal, the effects of which will stay with him for life. I hope this sentence provides some reassurance.”
