Man stabbed housemate during row over dropped vape

A man who stabbed his housemate with a kitchen knife after an argument over a dropped vape has avoided jail.

Nyaia Lakaiko, 42, stabbed his victim in the head and slashed him on the wrist in their house share in Surrey Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, on 15 June.

Nottinghamshire Police said he became angry after hearing a loud thud from the next room, which was understood to have been caused by the victim accidentally dropping a vape.

The force said the attack left the 23-year-old victim "petrified and fearing for his life".

Lakaiko banged on the wall after hearing the noise of the vape being dropped and shouted at the victim, who responded in the same manner, police said.

Seconds later, he entered his victim's room and lunged at him with a kitchen knife.

The victim, who managed to flee downstairs where a third housemate helped deescalate the situation, sustained a cut to his wrist and three head wounds, according to police.

Lakaiko, currently of no fixed address, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He also admitted breaking a bail condition after he failed to sign on at Mansfield Police Station on 23 September.

Lakaiko was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

PC Jordan Brimelow 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."

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