Knifeman jailed for Smethwick 'attempted murder' attack which left victim fighting for his life

Obeidulla Waffa attacked a man in Victoria Park in Smethwick causing life-threatening stabbing injuries to a man in his 30s

A knifeman who stabbed a man following a dispute in a Black Country park has been put behind bars. Obeidulla Waffa attacked a man in his 30s after an argument in Victoria Park in Smethwick on Saturday, August 19 last year.

The victim had to have life-saving surgery after being stabbed in his arm and chest. Waffa fled the area but was later identified by West Midlands Police as the prime suspect.

He was then spotted by police officers in the Cape Hill area of Smethwick earlier this year. At that time he was arrested and found to have a knife on him in his waistband.

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Waffa, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, went on trial for attempted murder and was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court last month on Friday, September 13. He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon earlier this year. He was handed a 12-year jail term.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We're committed to taking weapons off the streets and have dedicated teams who tackle knife crime. We've expanded Project Guardian to proactively deal with knife-related crime in Sandwell and across the region.

“One incident involving a weapon is one too many and we're working with partners to tackle knife crime. As part of this, the Knife Angel has arrived in Sandwell this month and acts as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of knife violence.

“We want the monument, currently based in Oldbury Civic Square, to spark conversations within our communities around the importance of people choosing life, not knife.”