A man who repeatedly stabbed his friend after a drunken argument has been sent to prison for four and a half years.
Jude Warnakulasuraya (pictured), of Charlton Road, was sentenced for grievous bodily harm with intent at Harrow Crown Court, in Halisham Drive on Monday.
The court heard how the 39-year-old stabbed his friend in the chest and stomach with an eight-inch knife, following a disagreement outside Sam's Chicken and Ribs takeaway shop, in Wealdstone High Street, on February 4.
As reported in the Observer in February the crime was committed just yards from Wealdstone Police Station and after the incident the area was cordoned off as forensics analysed the scene.
Warnakulasuraya claimed not to remember the incident as he had been drinking Old Arrack - a Sri Lankan spirit with between 33-50 per cent proof alcohol. The 42-year-old victim had tried to calm down Warnakulasuraya after he started smashing up furniture at a flat in Wealdstone. However, Warnakulasuraya punched his friend, picked up a knife from the kitchen and chased him outside, where he cut his liver, stomach and hands.
After changing his plea from not guilty to guilty this morning the Recorder Robert Glancy QC said the defendant had shown good sense, which he took into account when handing down his sentence.
He said: "We may never under-stand what started this argument.
"Your behaviour afterwards, in particular in the street, was unacceptably violent and dangerous and that has to be taken into account.
"This offence is so serious that neither a fine or community penalty can be justified."
Detective constable Laura Curry said: "This was a violent assault and today's sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence."
Warnakulasuraya, who arrived on a tourist visa in 2005 but stayed on despite having no visa is expected to serve half his sentence. The judge also stated he would recommend Warnakulasuraya be deported.
