Knife thug stabbed dad in front of baby at Chislehurst War Memorial
A man has been locked up for 14 years after brutally stabbing a father three times in front of his eight-month-old baby during a custody handover.
Horror attack sparks panic at War Memorial
On June 8, 2024, Fatih Hassan, 31, showed up armed with a knife at Chislehurst War Memorial, where victim Mekseb Eyobraya was meeting his ex-partner to collect their baby.
- Hassan demanded Mekseb’s phone number, causing tensions to boil over.
- A scuffle erupted before Hassan pulled out a 4-5 inch knife.
- He stabbed Mekseb three times – twice in the thigh and once in the back – then fled, leaving the dad bleeding heavily.
Luckily, an off-duty police officer witnessed the attack and sprang into action with potentially life-saving first aid until paramedics arrived.
Victim fights for survival
Mekseb was rushed to hospital suffering severe blood loss and a punctured lung. He was discharged a week later but now suffers from crippling psychological trauma.
“It’s really difficult to explain the suffering and psychological trauma I’ve been going through. I’ve been suffering nightmares nearly every single day and struggle to sleep,” Mekseb revealed.
Judge slams “wholly unprovoked” attack
Hassan, from Avalan Road, Orpington, turned himself in two hours after the attack but claimed Mekseb stabbed himself. The jury wasn’t convinced.
Judge Noel Lucas KC branded the assault “wholly unprovoked and wholly unnecessary” and slammed Hassan for showing no remorse.
“Had the femoral artery been severed, he would have bled out and died in a very short time,” the judge warned.
Long jail term handed down
Hassan was given an extended 14-year sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on February 7, 2025:
- 10 years behind bars
- 4 years on licence after release
He must serve at least two-thirds of his prison term before being considered for parole due to the danger he poses to the public.
Police urge anyone with information on violent crime in the area to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
