Southampton, Hampshire – A disturbing incident unfolded at the Jerk Pan Caribbean restaurant on Commercial Road in Southampton, culminating in a violent confrontation that left a worker injured. Jaypal Khaira, 33, of the Polygon, found himself at the centre of a legal battle after stabbing a staff member during a dispute over change. Now, Khaira faces the consequences of his actions as he has been sentenced to five years behind bars.
Khaira’s tumultuous encounter with restaurant staff on the evening of April 13, 2022, quickly escalated into a violent altercation. Hampshire Constabulary responded to reports of a stabbing at the restaurant, where they discovered a man in his 60s with a stab wound to his leg. The victim, a chef at the establishment, had been attacked by Khaira following an earlier dispute over change.
According to accounts presented in court, Khaira forcibly entered the restaurant through the back entrance, seeking access to the front of the premises. When confronted by a member of staff, Khaira resorted to violence, wielding a knife and stabbing the worker in the thigh. The swift intervention of law enforcement led to Khaira’s arrest at the scene, while the victim was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Following a trial in March, Khaira was found guilty by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The severity of his actions warranted a significant penalty, as he was sentenced to five years imprisonment by Southampton Crown Court on Friday, April 26. Additionally, Khaira will be subject to an additional three years on licence, emphasizing the gravity of his offence.
Detective Constable Callum Whitehouse, representing Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, condemned Khaira’s reckless behaviour, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening consequences resulting from his actions. While the victim fortunately escaped serious harm, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by acts of violence.
