Man Jailed for Brutal Stabbing at Chislehurst War Memorial
By Ben Freeman:
A man who repeatedly stabbed a father in front of his eight-month-old baby at Chislehurst War Memorial has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Fatih Hassan, 31, launched the unprovoked knife attack on Mekseb Eyobraya during a child custody handover on June 8, 2024. The assault, which took place in broad daylight, left Eyobraya with severe injuries, including a punctured lung.
Hassan was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Mekseb Eyobraya had arranged to meet his ex-partner at Chislehurst War Memorial on Centre Common Road at 3:00 PM to collect their baby. However, Hassan, the ex-partner’s new boyfriend, also arrived at the scene, armed with a knife.
According to evidence presented in court:
Hassan demanded Eyobraya’s phone number, escalating tensions.
A physical altercation broke out.
Hassan produced a four- to five-inch knife and stabbed Eyobraya three times—twice in the thigh and once in the back.
Hassan fled immediately, leaving Eyobraya bleeding heavily at the scene.
An off-duty police officer, who witnessed the attack, provided emergency first aid before paramedics arrived.
Eyobraya suffered severe blood loss and a punctured lung. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remained for a week before being discharged.
However, he continues to experience lasting psychological trauma. In a victim impact statement, he said:
“It’s really difficult to explain the suffering and psychological trauma I’ve been going through. I’ve been suffering nightmares nearly every single day and struggle to sleep.”
Hassan, of Avalan Road, Orpington, surrendered to police two hours after the attack, but falsely claimed that Eyobraya had stabbed himself.
During the trial, the off-duty officer who witnessed the assault gave key testimony, confirming that Hassan had wielded the knife. The jury rejected Hassanâ’s defence and found him guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sentencing Hassan to an extended 14-year sentence, Judge Noel Lucas KC described the attack as:
“Wholly unprovoked and wholly unnecessary.”
The judge further noted:
“Had the femoral artery been severed, he would have bled out and died in a very short time.”
Due to the danger Hassan poses to the public, the judge imposed a 10-year custodial term, followed by four years on licence. Hassan will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least two-thirds of his sentence.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all, stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Bénédict Tarot Freeman
Editor-at-Large
VPN City-Desk
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