Knife-wielding bank robber who attacked stranger at random jailed for attempted murder

A 16-year prison sentence has been handed to a Slough man who randomly attacked a stranger with a knife and attempted to rob a town centre bank.

Said Nassor, formerly of Sharney Avenue, targeted an unwitting victim in Yew Tree Road on March 25 last year.

The 29-year-old approached the stranger and cut him across the neck with a knife, leaving him with serious injuries which required hospital treatment.

Two days later, Nassor entered Barclay’s Bank in Slough and demanded £10,000 while being in possession of a knife.

Police said he did not threaten anyone with the blade but officers arrested him at the scene.

Nassor was charged on August 23 with attempted murder, attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place after a police investigation linked the two offences.

After admitting the charges, he received a 16-year prison sentence at Reading Crown Court on Thursday and will also be on licence for five years upon his release.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Stuart May, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “These incidents were very concerning and it was extremely lucky that the victim of the stabbing survived his injuries.

“It is apparent that the victim and Nassor had never met and did not have any sort of altercation; Nassor randomly went up behind the victim and attacked him.

“Thankfully, such stranger attacks are extremely rare.”

He added: “Following the stabbing on Yew Tree Road, an investigation was immediately launched and significant enquiries were ongoing in order to identify the offender.

“The incident at the bank was attended by officers immediately and Nassor was detained.

“Further investigation then linked the two offences and Nassor was charged and remanded in August for both the attempted murder and attempted robbery.

“We would like to thank the victims for their support throughout our investigation.”