Knife-wielding man attacks resident and police officer at Cambridge hostel
Hostel horror: Man stabs resident after being challenged
Leon Slack, 34, erupted into violence at a Hills Road hostel in Cambridge on 17 February. Around 9am, Slack began roaming the property armed with a knife. When a fellow resident challenged him, Slack stabbed the man.
Chaos escalates with fire alarm and police arrival
Another resident heard the victim’s cries and went to help. Slack then grabbed this second man, dragged him into the lounge, smashed a strip light, set off the fire alarm, and forced him outside.
Meanwhile, police were called. Officers arrived to find Slack still outside but he suddenly plunged back inside to grab a green tub containing two knives. This forced an officer to draw and activate a taser.
Arrest after hospital attack on police officer
Slack threw the tub out the door and complied with officers before being arrested. He was taken to hospital as a precaution but became aggressive there, kicking a police officer.
The stabbed victim was also hospitalised with a 5cm wound to his back, a deep finger cut, and a head laceration.
Jailed for 18 months after Cambridge Crown Court plea
On 30 March, Slack pleaded guilty at Cambridge Crown Court to assault causing grievous bodily harm without intent, two counts of assault by beating, and assault by beating of an emergency worker. He was sentenced to one year, six months, and two weeks behind bars.
“Slack’s bizarre behaviour was both inexplicable and unacceptable,” said a Cambridgeshire Constabulary spokesperson. “The victim could have been much worse injured. Tackling knife crime and serious violence is a force priority, and we will keep working to make our communities safer.”
