Watch the moment a 28-year-old Iraqi immigrant stabbed a teenage boy in broad daylight because he wanted to be deported from Britain.
Rebaz Mohammed attacked Ellis Wheeler, 18, in December 2022 as he was walking through a park on his way home from the gym.
Wheeler was left fighting for his life after the kitchen knife punctured his lung.
CCTV footage shows the attack happening for all to see as Mohammed approaches the student, before savagely stabbing him.
Mohammed attacked Wheeler in broad daylight
Crown Prosecution Service
After fleeing Wheeler passed out before being taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for a collapsed lung.
Mohammed was arrested at the scene and told police he attacked Wheeler so he could be deported to his home in Iraq.
The Iraqi had originally entered the country illegally and had served a prison term previously.
He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a knife blade in Southampton Crown Court.
The Iraqi immigrant told police he wanted to be deported
Crown Prosecution Service
Mohammed has been sentenced to six years in prison, with a four year extended licence.
As a result of the brutal attack, Wheeler missed exams and struggles with his sleep due to the anxiety caused.
A friend had been able to call 999 after the stabbing, applying pressure on the wound until the emergency services arrived.
Prosecutor Andrew Houston stated that Mohammed knew he needed to do something to be deported and had spoken with people who were familiar with the immigration system.
Mohammed was sentence to six years in prison
Hampshire Police
He had previously been cautioned for criminal damage and battery and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for racially-aggravated harassment and stalking in May 2022.
Richard Tutt, defending Mohammed, said the 28-year-old had been "making what efforts he could to be deported" but could not afford to leave.
Tutt said: "He believed, from what he had been told, that he needed to commit an offence that was serious enough.
"He presents as a very naive person. He has experienced remorse, or at least sorrow."
Mohammed initially chased after Wheeler
Crown Prosecution Service
Judge Brian Forster KC criticised the defendant for inflicting the injuries to "achieve his own end".
He said: "When anyone carries out an attack with a knife it is down to chance.
"This was an indiscriminate attack. Any member of our community could have been the victim.
"You were willing to inflict a serious injury with a weapon to achieve your own end. You could have killed the victim."