Former Maths Teacher Jailed for Southampton Knife Attack That Injured Two

A former maths teacher who carried out a knife attack on members of the public in Southampton has been jailed for two and a half years.

Azzeddine Mahmoudi, 46, began attacking people shortly after 12.45pm on Sunday 3 August last year near a supermarket on Bevois Valley Road, causing widespread panic as people went about their daily business.

Southampton Crown Court heard that two people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while Mahmoudi also attempted to assault a further five members of the public.

During the incident, Mahmoudi was seen running around the area armed with a long kitchen knife. Several members of the public bravely intervened, helping to contain and corral him away from the busiest areas.

The court heard that one of those who stepped in “wasn’t trying to be a hero” but “just wanted to help”.

Police officers arrived at the scene and used incapacitant spray to stop Mahmoudi before arresting him. A search later revealed he was also carrying a second, smaller knife. None of the witnesses reported hearing Mahmoudi say anything during the duration of the attack.

Appearing for sentencing at Southampton Crown Court today (29 January), the court was told Mahmoudi, who holds an aerospace degree, had suffered from mental health issues for a number of years.

It was heard that the first injured victim suffered cuts to his head and arm. A second victim, who stepped in to help the first man, sustained injuries to his hand.

Mahmoudi, of Cobbett Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful wounding, one count of affray and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

Sentencing him to a total of two and a half years in prison, Judge William Mousley KC said:

“The situation you created caused panic, with many members of the public, including children, fearing for their safety.

“I am satisfied this was part of a prolonged incident. A number of witnesses have discussed the ongoing anxiety this has caused them.”

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer DC Ryan Mitchell said:

“Azzeddine Mahmoudi launched a frenzied attack which was terrifying for all involved and those in the vicinity, when all they were trying to do was go about their business on a sunny summer’s afternoon.

“The fact no one was more seriously hurt or died as a result of this attack is in no small part thanks to the heroic actions of those members of the public, who, without a second thought for their own safety, bravely stepped in to help those around them and prevent him from sustaining his attacks much further before police arrived.”