Southampton maths teacher jailed for two and a half years after knife attacks
Former teacher sentenced after launching knife attacks in Bevois Valley
A former maths teacher who attacked several people with a knife in Southampton has been jailed for two and a half years.
The incident took place just after 12.45pm on Sunday 3rd August last year, where Azzeddine Mahmoudi began his attack near a supermarket on Bevois Valley Road.
During the attack, two men sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while Mahmoudi also attempted to assault five other individuals.
Armed with a long kitchen knife, the 46-year-old caused widespread panic among the public. Several bystanders intervened, bravely directing him away from the busiest areas.
Mahmoudi was incapacitated using spray when officers arrived at the scene and was arrested. A search revealed he was carrying a second smaller knife. Witnesses said he had not spoken during the incident.
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on 29th January 2026, the court heard Mahmoudi, of Cobbett Road in Southampton, has an aerospace degree and had struggled with mental health issues for years.
The first victim sustained cuts to his head and arm, while the second victim, who intervened to help, suffered an injury to his hand.
Mahmoudi pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful wounding, one count of affray, and two counts of possession of a bladed article.
He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Judge William Mousley KC stated, "The situation you created caused panic, with many members of the public, including children, fearing for their safety. I am satisfied this was part of a prolonged incident. A number of witnesses have discussed the ongoing anxiety this has caused them."
Detective Constable Ryan Mitchell, who investigated the case, said, "Azzeddine Mahmoudi launched a frenzied attack which was terrifying for all involved and those in the vicinity, when all they were trying to do was go about their business on a sunny summer's afternoon.
"The fact no one was more seriously hurt or died as a result of this attack is in no small part thanks to the heroic actions of those members of the public, who, without a second thought for their own safety, bravely stepped in to help those around them and prevent him from sustaining his attacks much further before police arrived."