21 year old Ashan Mahmudd from Enfield was convicted at the Old Bailey on Friday of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life after meeting a man of Gumtree on 1 March.
Jurors heard how Mahmudd answered an ad on Gumtree of a man who said he was into cross-dressing and was looking to meet other men. According to reports "He arranged to go to the man's one bedroom flat in Streatham on the 1st March. After the two men had sex, Mahmudd took out a knife and ordered the victim on to the floor where he was blindfolded and his hands taped together. Mahmudd then repeatedly stabbed the victim, leaving him near death, and stole his credit cards, mobile phone and laptop. Then he set fire to the sofa and left."
The victim, who isn't being named, managed to call the police who arrived to see the flat on fire – the officer then rescued the victim and both had to be treated for smoke inhalation. The victim's injuries required longer to treat as he'd been stabbed all over his body. Mahmuud was tracked down and arrested.
DI Andy Rees of Lambeth CID said today: "I would like to commend the victim for the courage he has demonstrated throughout this difficult and traumatic case. I would also like to assure vulnerable sections of the community that they will be treated with dignity by the Metropolitan Police Service. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure that they have the freedom to live their lives without fear".
The victim is reported to have made a "good" recovery.
STORY TO SHARE, TIPS TO SPLIT? A pretty rare and gruseome experience there but have you had a bad experience? Got any top tips other than the usual "Meet in a public space" thing we've lectured you a million times on already?
