Man Quietly Watched His Victim Before Walking Up to His Home and Stabbing Him

A “dangerous man” who stabbed a stranger on his own doorstep after silently watching him for half an hour has been jailed. Walter Kanhukamwe, 24, attacked Karl Watkins with a kitchen knife as the victim stood outside his Cardiff home flying a drone — a hobby he regularly enjoyed.

The unprovoked assault happened at around 1.30am on June 9 last year. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Kanhukamwe stood a short distance away, observing Mr Watkins for around 30 minutes before crossing the street, opening the garden gate and walking directly up to him. Without saying a word, he swung the knife and stabbed him in the chest.

Mr Watkins suffered only a superficial wound, but the psychological impact has been severe. Kanhukamwe dropped the knife immediately after the attack and ran off. At the time, he was on immigration bail.

Kanhukamwe, of Heol Muston in Ely, was later convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and had already admitted possessing a bladed article. The court heard he had 11 previous convictions, including for offensive weapons, bladed articles and animal cruelty.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Watkins said the incident had left him hypervigilant and fearful. He described constantly anticipating an attack during his commute and said he now feels on edge around young men, something he “hates feeling”. He has struggled to sleep, stopped socialising and has been unable to return to flying his drone. He said he often lies awake thinking about how close he came to being seriously injured or killed.

Defence barrister David Pinnell said Kanhukamwe was still young, immature and had mental health difficulties. He also argued that the offence amounted to an “attempt” at causing grievous bodily harm.

Recorder Greg Bull KC said the attack had caused “significant psychological harm” and criticised the defendant for failing to plead guilty. He ruled that Kanhukamwe is a dangerous offender and sentenced him to six years in prison, with an extended licence period of three years.