A man who took a knife from a butchers shop and stabbed a 23-year-old during an argument in Slough High Street has been jailed for five years.
Families with children watched in horror as Tarek Baka, aged 26, used the blade to slash the man's arm outside Marwa Superstore on June 22.
Confronted with the evidence of his crimes at Reading Crown Court, Baka changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday (October 5) and was jailed for five years’ for GBH with intent and 12 months’ for possession of a bladed article, to run concurrently.
“This was a particularly violent and public incident which has occurred in a busy area of Slough High Street,” said Detective Constable Stuart Baron.
“There were families with children in the area, who were clearly impacted by the level of violence that Baka carried out, while his victim sustained significant injuries which needed hospital treatment.
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“Thames Valley Police do not tolerate knife crime. Offenders will be sought out and held to account for their heinous actions.
“In this case, a violent individual has received a custodial sentence and this sets another example of the time you can serve should you choose to carry and use knives.”
Members of the public had tried to separate Baka and his victim at around 8.30pm, before he walked into the butchers for a blade.
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Baka, of Cleveland Park, Staines-upon-Thames, was arrested the following day (June 23) and charged on June 25.
“We would urge anybody who has any information about anyone who may be carrying a knife to report this to Thames Valley Police,” said Detective Constable Stuart Baron.
“You can do so by calling 101 or making a report online, or for 100% anonymity, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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