Coventry man jailed for Oxford assault after confrontation turned violent
Thomas Mesai Siyoum sentenced after Oxford knife attack
A Coventry man has been sentenced to over three years in prison for attacking another man with a knife in Oxford.
Thomas Mesai Siyoum, 24, of Heath Crescent, was jailed for three years and one month during a hearing today at Oxford Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty last month to unlawful wounding and carrying a knife in public.
He had faced an additional charge of section 18 wounding with intent, but was found not guilty after a four-day trial ended on 12th March.
The incident occurred last year at around 7pm on 20th July on James Wolfe Road in Oxford.
The victim was sitting outside when Siyoum approached him, accusing him of talking behind his back.
Siyoum then produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the right inner leg before fleeing.
The victim needed hospital treatment for serious injuries but has since been discharged.
Following the attack, police arrested Siyoum on 12th September and charged him the following day.
Detective Constable Rebekah Routh from Oxford CID led the investigation.
“This was a serious and completely unacceptable act of violence that could very easily have had fatal consequences," she said.
“Mesai Siyoum inflicted serious injuries to the victim, and it was only thanks to a quick-thinking member of the public using a t-shirt as a tourniquet that the victim’s life was saved.
“We hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the community and serves as a reminder that violence will not be tolerated. Thames Valley Police remains committed to tackling violent crime and ensuring victims receive the justice they deserve.”