Man who stabbed and strangled man he met on dating site jailed for 17 years
A man who strangled someone he met on the gay dating site Fab Guys has been jailed for 17 years.
The 19-year-old attacker, Gubair Boshir, a restaurant worker, was accused of trying to murder a man he met on the site.
He grabbed the victim in a choke hold and stabbed him multiple times.
£180 in cash and a mobile phone was stolen by Boshir before he fled the property.
The victim, not named for legal reasons, was left with facial scarring and scarring on his body.
Judge Eleri Rees, who sentenced Boshir to 17 years and eight months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court, described the attack as “ferocious”.
The judge said: “This was a ferocious attack with intent to kill.”
Prosecutor Michael Jones said the victim had met Boshir on Fab Guys and that the attacker went to the man’s home on 6 May.
Jones added: “As soon as he walked in he grabbed the victim in a choke hold, wrapping both arms around his throat.
“The victim struggled and grabbed his arms, trying to breathe. He could feel he was losing strength and fell to his knees.”
Boshir, the court heard, told the man to “just go to sleep”.
The victim, prosecutors said, saw Boshir holding a five-inch knife before feeling a “sharp pain” in his back, chest and face.
Jones continued: “The victim fought for his life – grappling with the defendant.”
The victim gave a statement to police, saying: “I felt like I was going to die. At this point I felt I had no fight left, I was so worn out.”
Once Boshir left the man’s flat, he managed to drag himself to a neighbour’s property who called 999.
At the University Hospital of Wales, the victim was treated for 10 knife injuries including eight stab wounds, and other lacerations.
Boshir was later found in his attic bedroom after police attended an address in the Grangetown area of the city.
He had not been at home the first time they went to the property.
The cash and phone stolen from the victim were found in Boshir’s pocket.
Speaking to police during interview at Cardiff Bay Police Station, Boshir said: “I’m glad he didn’t die.”
He initially said he didn’t take the knife with him to the home of the victim and stabbing him, but later said he had it with him “for protection” as he had been meeting a stranger.
He also said he acted in “panic” when he stabbed the victim.
The victim added in his statement: “All I want is a quiet life.”
Continuing: “My injuries have been on display for all to see.”
Boshir had admitted theft and attempted murder on a basis of plea, but the judge rejected that during a trial of issue.
Defending, Harry Baker said his client was “still a very young man” and argued that he had been remorseful for the crimes.
Boshir, Baker said, will use his time in custody to reform himself.
The judge described the incident as “horrific”, saying the attack was sustained with stabbing and strangulation.
