A MAN has been imprisoned for seven years for a grievous bodily harm offence after he assaulted another man with a knife.

Rui Silva, aged 33, of Blackbird Leys Road, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday after a jury found him guilty by unanimous verdict of assaulting another man with a knife in Oxford.

Silva pleaded not guilty to a count each of Section 18 grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article, and following a trial lasting four days, a jury convicted him on Friday March 19.

At 10pm on September 19, 2020, Silva had attended a gathering at Evenlode Tower, where an altercation took place.

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Following the altercation, Silva left the tower and then assaulted the victim, a 36-year-old man, who was hit on the head with a knife.

He required hospital treatment for a laceration wound and was discharged.

Investigating officer, PC Jonathan Gore, of Cowley police station, said: “This was a very serious incident, and I am very pleased that the jury have convicted Silva of this violent offence. It is by good fortune that the victim did not sustain more serious injuries, or even worse, as a result of this mindless attack.

“Knife crime is not tolerated in our communities, and police officers will always investigate such incidents and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Thames Valley Police will not tolerate individuals like Silva who carry out violent assaults on other members of the public.”

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