Leah Campbell-Knechtel and Jawad Naser jailed for 10 years over Islington stabbing
A 66-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries after a dispute over money led to a violent attack in January
Incident → evidence → outcomeLeah Campbell-Knechtel, 28, and Jawad Naser, 47, were sentenced to 10 years in prison at the Old Bailey on 14 August. They were convicted of grievous bodily harm after a violent attack in Islington on 18 January left a 66-year-old man with life-changing injuries. The victim required emergency surgery for multiple stab wounds.
Dispute over money led to attack
The attack followed an argument over money, according to the Metropolitan Police. The victim had given Campbell-Knechtel thousands of pounds during their relationship and had handed over more cash on the day of the attack. When he demanded the money back, the dispute escalated.
Campbell-Knechtel later returned to the flat in Islington to "make peace", police said. She allowed Naser to enter and passed him a kitchen knife, which he used to attack the victim. Officers were called to the scene just after 7pm and found the victim with severe injuries.
Suspects arrested within days
Naser was arrested within four hours of the attack after police recovered bloodstained trainers. Campbell-Knechtel evaded capture for two days before officers, armed with Tasers, found her hiding under a bed in Muswell Hill. Body-worn camera footage shows officers lifting a mattress to discover her.
Both suspects were tried at the Old Bailey. A jury found them not guilty of attempted murder but convicted them of grievous bodily harm. They were sentenced on 14 August.
“Campbell-Knechtel may not have wielded the knife herself, but she lured the victim into a false sense of security and made the attack possible. The sentences recognise that her role was every bit as serious.”
What happens next
Campbell-Knechtel and Naser will serve their 10-year sentences in prison. The victim continues to recover from life-changing injuries. The Metropolitan Police have not indicated any further investigations related to this case.
Questions this report answers
01What were Leah Campbell-Knechtel and Jawad Naser jailed for?
They were jailed for 10 years each at the Old Bailey for grievous bodily harm. The attack left a 66-year-old man with life-changing injuries after a dispute over money in Islington on 18 January.
02How long did it take police to find the suspects?
Jawad Naser was arrested within four hours of the attack after bloodstained trainers were recovered. Leah Campbell-Knechtel was found hiding under a bed in Muswell Hill two days later.
03What injuries did the victim suffer?
The 66-year-old victim suffered multiple stab wounds and required emergency surgery. The attack left him with life-changing injuries, according to the Metropolitan Police.
04What was the outcome of the trial?
Both suspects were found not guilty of attempted murder but convicted of grievous bodily harm. They were sentenced to 10 years in prison on 14 August at the Old Bailey.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the deskContinue the investigation
Violent CrimeEugeniu Neamtu convicted of murdering flatmate in Walthamstow stabbing
Violent Crime17-year-old denies murder of Brayan Saldarriaga in Hackney stabbing
Violent CrimeMan stabbed in Islington discharged after South Place attack
Violent CrimeMistress of Mayfair licence suspended after throat-slashing attack
Violent CrimeHounslow murder probe after woman dies in Berkley Avenue fire
Violent CrimeElderly woman dies after aggravated burglary in Finsbury Park home