Man stabbed housemate after fallout over dropped vape

Nyaia Lakaiko was arrested shortly after he stabbed his housemate

A man attacked his housemate with a kitchen knife after hearing a loud thud.

Nyaia Lakaiko, aged 42, stabbed his 23-year-old victim in the head and slashed him on the wrist, leaving him petrified and fearing for his life.

Nottingham Crown heard the incident happened at shared accommodation in Surrey Drive, Mansfield on 15 June this year.

Lakaiko became angry after hearing a loud thud coming from the next room, which the court heard was caused by the victim accidentally dropping a vape.

This prompted Lakaiko to bang on the wall and shout at the victim, who responded in the same manner.

Seconds later, Lakaiko entered the victim’s room and lunged at him with a kitchen knife.

The victim managed to flee downstairs where a third housemate helped deescalate the situation.

The court heard the victim sustained a cut to his wrist and three head wounds, which were closed with glue at King’s Mill Hospital.

Lakaiko was arrested and he went on to be charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm.

As he awaited court proceedings, he was further charged with breaking a bail condition after he failed to sign on at Mansfield Police Station on 23 September.

Lakaiko, currently of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, when he was sentenced on Tuesday (10 December).

He must also attend 10 rehabilitation activity days as part of his sentence. A two-year restraining order was also imposed.

PC Jordan Brimelow, who led the investigation, said:

“This was an appalling episode that left the victim fearing for his life.

“There is no excuse for the level of violence displayed by Lakaiko and I hope he takes the second chance afforded to him by the court.

“As is so often the case with knife crime, the consequences of this incident could have been far worse and therefore we will continue to take action against those who behave in such an appalling and dangerous manner.”