A teenager has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order for stabbing a young mother eight times in broad daylight.
The 24-year-old victim was walking with her five-year-old son in Withington, in August 2020 when Hasan Arif, who was 17 at the time, violently attacked her in the early afternoon.
Arif had followed the victim down residential streets for several minutes armed with a large kitchen knife, approached her from behind and carried out a frenzied attack with the victim stabbed eight times, leaving her with horrendous injuries.
With the help of a passer-by, she bravely fought off Arif, who made off from the scene and discarded his knife.
Arif was identified the following day after a media appeal and arrested at his home address, but Arif denied any involvement in this frightening attack.
In April 2023, he pleaded guilty to section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article at Manchester Crown Cour and was sentenced at Minshull Street Court
During sentencing, the victim read out her Victim Impact Statement.
She told the court that she was still having ‘panic attacks’ and needs regular treatment for her injuries.
She said: “Since the attack I just feel paranoid, and I am more cautious of people in general.
“Just like I did immediately after the attack, I still have panic attacks regularly when I am out of my house, often thinking that someone is going to attack me or my son.
“This was not something that I have ever felt or had to deal with previously. I was never scared to leave my house, be outside or worry about what people may do to me.
“I would have previously described myself before as being fearless.
“However, now if anyone is walking behind me when I am outside, I will have heart palpitations, my hands go sweaty, and I have to take measures to calm myself down just to carry on.”
Detective Constable Beth Coffey, who led the investigation for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Arif followed his victim for a couple of roads – he then produced a knife from his rucksack and began attacking her, stabbing her eight times.
“He aimed his blows at the victim’s stomach and chest area. However, as she fell to the ground, she managed to kick out to protect herself and this resulted in all the wounds being on her legs.
“This incident has had a huge and lasting effect on both the victim and witnesses, and they showed extraordinary bravery.
“The conviction today is a result of the victim’s strength and courage after what was a horrific and frenzied attack.”
