Pair responsible for brutal knife attack on pensioner in Muswell Hill jailed

Leah Campbell-Knechtel and Jawad Naser went to the victim’s home to attack him

Leah Campbell-Knechtel (left) and Jawad Naser (right)

Two people responsible for a brutal stabbing in Muswell Hill have been jailed.

Leah Campbell-Knechtel, aged 28 and of no fixed address, and Jawad Naser, aged 47 and of Cambridge Gardens in Muswell Hill, have each been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment after being convicted of grievous bodily harm.

On Sunday, 18th January, officers were called to a flat at 7pm in Islington where Naser had stabbed a 66-year-old man multiple times.

The attack was sparked by a dispute over money. The victim had given Campbell-Knechtel thousands of pounds during an apparent relationship and, on the day of the attack, handed over more cash after she asked for financial help. When he later demanded the money back, an argument broke out.

That evening, Campbell-Knechtel went to the victim’s flat claiming she wanted to make peace. Moments later, she opened the door and allowed Naser to enter, passing him a kitchen knife she took from the victim’s kitchen. Naser then stabbed the victim multiple times, leaving him with life-threatening injuries that required emergency surgery.

Detectives rapidly identified Naser and Campbell-Knechtel as suspects through witness evidence, CCTV enquiries, doorbell footage and other intelligence gathering. Naser was arrested at his Muswell Hill home within four hours of the attack, where officers recovered blood-stained trainers that went on to form part of the evidence presented at trial.

Using intelligence, officers tracked Campbell-Knechtel down and arrested her less than 48 hours after the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger said: “Campbell-Knechtel thought she could dodge justice by hiding under a bed, but our officers were right on her trail.

“This was a savage knife attack by Naser that left the victim with life-changing injuries.

“Less than 48 hours after the attack, officers had pieced together the evidence, tracked down the suspects, and put them in custody. Now they’re exactly where they belong – behind bars.

“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.”

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