Man avoids prison after stabbing housemate in vape dispute

A man who used a kitchen knife to stab his housemate following an argument concerning a dropped vape has not been sent to prison. Nyaia Lakaiko, aged 42, attacked his victim on 15 June, inflicting head wounds and a slash to the wrist at their shared residence located on Surrey Drive in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. According to Nottinghamshire Police, Lakaiko’s anger was provoked by a loud thud originating from an adjacent room, which was believed to be the sound of the victim inadvertently dropping a vape device. The police force reported that the assault rendered the 23-year-old victim “petrified and fearing for his life.” Police stated that Lakaiko reacted to the sound of the dropped vape by banging on the wall and shouting at the victim, who then shouted back. Shortly thereafter, he entered the victim’s room and assaulted him with a kitchen knife. The victim, who successfully escaped downstairs where another housemate assisted in calming the situation, suffered a cut to his wrist and three injuries to his head, as reported by police. Lakaiko, whose current address is unknown, was apprehended and subsequently admitted guilt to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm. He further confessed to violating a bail condition by not reporting to Mansfield Police Station on 23 September. On Tuesday at Nottingham Crown Court, Lakaiko received a 12-month prison sentence, which was suspended for a period of two years. PC Jordan Brimelow commented: “This was an appalling episode that left the victim fearing for his life.” He added: “There is no excuse for the level of violence displayed by Lakaiko and I hope he takes the second chance afforded to him by the court.”