Friendship Turns Fatal: Man Stabbed After Old Grudge Reignites
Connor Smith and his victim had been mates for eight years. The victim thought old beefs were sorted. But on 5 August 2021, just before 2 a.m., cops found the 22-year-old victim covered in blood on Ilkeston Road, Stapleford.
Deadly Drink-Driven Clash
The victim refused to talk at first, but officers soon learned he’d been lured to Smith’s home. Smith and another man, Jago Inquieti, were waiting. After drinking together, an old argument flared up. Smith grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed the victim in the side, leg, and arm.
Inquieti, 25, didn’t hold back either. He smashed a vodka bottle over the victim’s head, reportedly egged on by Inquieti himself.
Justice Served: Prison Sentences Handed Down
- Smith, 22, of HMP Nottingham, admitted wounding without intent and stalking.
- Inquieti, 25, from Cossall, Broxtowe, pleaded guilty to intentionally wounding.
On 11 January 2023 at Nottingham Crown Court, Smith was slammed with a three-year prison term. Inquieti got 18 months behind bars.
Police Warn: Knife Crime Will Not Be Tolerated
“This was a nasty attack that left the victim running for his life, from people he called friends,” said Detective Constable Chris Black of Nottinghamshire Police. “Thankfully, the victim escaped lasting physical harm, but the mental scars will last a lifetime. Knife crime has devastating impact on families and communities, and it will never be tolerated. Thanks to quick action by patrol officers, we caught the pair fast and put them before the courts. Smith’s sentence should make him reflect on how his actions could have ended in tragedy.”
Knife crime remains a blight on the streets. Police urge anyone with information to step forward and help keep communities safe.
