Family forgive thug who knifed brother for eating his chicken sandwich

A young man who stabbed his brother 12 times for eating his chicken sandwich was spared jail today (MON) after his family said he was forgiven.

Mohammed Gilani, 26, flew into a rage after 24 year-old Ali Gilani took the snack and started goading him at their home in Hoxton, north London.

He knifed Ali repeatedly in the chest, leg and hands but fortunately the victim did not suffer life threatening injuries, the Old Bailey heard.

Gilani was originally charged with attempted murder but the prosecution decided to accept a plea to the lesser offence of unlawful wounding.

Judge Christopher Moss QC sentenced him to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years after hearing Mohammed had already spent six months in prison awaiting trial.

The judge said: ‘These are tragic circumstances. It is extremely fortunate nothing happened to Ali and he lived to tell the tale.

‘You lost your tempter on that day with your brother and you took a knife and you caused him a number of injuries with that knife.

‘I accept you were provoked into losing your temper. I think this is entirely out of character.

‘I note also your mother and your brother have forgiven you for what happened.

‘It shouldn’t be thought I don’t take this matter seriously but you have served the equivalent of a year in prison already.

‘If you keep out of trouble for the next two years you will hear no more about it.

‘I don’t think you will trouble the courts again. I hope things go well for you and your family.’

The court heard more than a dozen neighbours had made statements in support of Mohammed Gilani, who has learning difficulties.

Gilani had no previous convictions before the attack on 23 July last year.

His elderly mother was also in court for sentencing.

Gilani, of Wenlock Road, Hoxton, admitted unlawful wounding. The charge of attempted murder was dropped.

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