Man who bit victim’s ear off during violent attack jailed
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On Friday (2 May) at Leicester Crown Court a man was jailed after a violent attack in Leicester in July last year.
During the evening of 8 July the 39-year-old victim was socialising with family when he arranged to meet a woman nearby.
The victim visited the woman’s home in Fosse Road North and while he was in the house he was confronted by a man.
Following a disagreement Costel Remus Galoi threatened the victim with a gun and demanded money.
Costel Galoi
The victim went into the back garden where 40-year-old Galoi grabbed him in a choke hold, forced him to the floor and bit his left ear.
Galoi was disturbed by a neighbour and let go of the victim allowing him to run away from the property.
The victim ran down Fosse Road North however after a few seconds he was chased on foot by Galoi, who was now topless and armed with a kitchen knife.
The victim tried to flag down passing vehicles for assistance however Galoi caught up with him and thrust the knife towards him several times, the victim put his hands in front of his face for protection and sustained an injury to his hand.
The victim tried to run away but was chased again by Galoi who continued to launch his knife at him, causing lacerations to the underside of his forearm.
Two passing police officers witnessed the altercation and were able to chase Galoi – during the chase he turned on the officers and tried to stab them, causing them to deploy their captor spray. He was arrested nearby.
The victim was discharged from hospital after treatment. The officers were not injured.
Galoi of Fosse Road North was subsequently charged with wounding with intent; possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, namely an air pistol; possession of a knife; robbery of the victim; and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
After a seven-day trial in March Galoi was found guilty of four of the offences and found not guilty of robbery. At a previous hearing he pleaded guilty to possession of a knife.
On Friday he was jailed for eight years and upon release will be the subject of an extended licence of five years.
Detective Constable Eliot Bates was the investigating officer. He said: “Galoi was determined to cause the victim some harm and not only did he launch a violent attack on him he also turned on the officers and tried to stab them.
“This was a vicious attack, and the victim was extremely lucky not to have sustained far serious injuries.
“The officers who were involved in this incident showed immense bravery – an element of violence is expected in their role but to be confronted by someone who had already attacked another and then approached them armed with a knife is extremely challenging and frightening.
“This incident, along with any assault on emergency service workers, is a stark reminder of the risks they face daily while working tirelessly to serve and protect the community.
“It is utterly unacceptable for those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe are subjected to abuse and violence in the line of duty. At sentencing the Judge praised the actions of the attending officers.
“We are pleased Galoi has been convicted of these offences and now faces a lengthy term in prison.
“We hope the victim is able to put the events of that night behind him knowing that justice has been served.”
Knife crime is a priority for the force and the #LivesnotKnives campaign reinforces that commitment to educate and deter people from carrying and using knives.