Man jailed for ten years after knife attack in Reading
Police decsribed the incident as 'callous'
A man has been jailed for ten years after he was found guilty of wounding with intent and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place in Reading.
Ervis Kola, aged 35, of Brighton Road, Reading, was unanimously found guilty of one count each of wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place following a five-day hearing at Reading Crown Court on 16 June.
Returning to the same Court, Kola was yesterday (6/9) sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and will be on licence for five years upon release.
At around 2pm on 19 December 2022, a verbal altercation took place between Kola and the victim, a man in his twenties at Market Place in Reading town centre.
Following the altercation, Kola produced a bladed article from his pocket and slashed the victim across the face and neck before fleeing from the scene.
The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and even though these have since healed, the physical scars serve as a constant reminder of this incident.
Kola was arrested the same day and was charged on 20 December 2022.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kevin Godding of Reading’s CID team, said:
“This was a callous knife attack which occurred in broad daylight in a busy area while people were Christmas shopping.
“Knife crime will not be tolerated in our communities and I hope that Kola’s lengthy sentence sends out a strong message that we will seek to prosecute those who do so.
“It is completely unacceptable for anybody to carry a knife, and Thames Valley Police will continue to pursue those who carry them and bring them before the courts.”