Man sentenced to 12 years for GBH in Walton-on-Thames

A man has been sentenced to time behind bars after being found guilty of GBH following a violent assault in Hersham, Walton on Thames in December 2020.

Ebi Apineri, 35 of Harry Close, Croydon appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Friday (14 January) where was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of GBH.

The sentence concludes a complex investigation by Surrey Police’s Criminal Investigation Department. Officers were initially called to a residential address in Snellings Road, Hersham on the morning of Sunday, 6 December 2020 following reports of a serious assault.

The victim, a man in his 20s, received multiple stab wounds and was taken to hospital.

An investigation was launched and the vehicle he was driving identified Apineri as the main suspect. He was arrested and when interviewed Apineri claimed that the stabbing was an act of self-defence.

A 26-year-old woman from Croydon was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of the investigation but was later released without further action.

Apineri appeared at Guildford Magistrates Court on Thursday, 10 December 2020 where he was charged and remanded.

He was sentenced on Friday (14 January) to 12 years in prison.  

Detective Constable Joseph Smith, who lead the investigation said “Following the injuries inflicted by Apineri, the victim was lucky to make a full recovery but has understandably been left traumatised by this assault.

“This was also a worrying time for the local community who were left concerned.

“Surrey Police’s Criminal Investigation Department have worked tirelessly along with CPS to secure this result.”