Florin Suta

A man from High Wycombe has been sentenced to four years in prison after carrying out a targeted knife attack on another individual during a late-night brawl, while also breaching conditions of his registration as a sex offender.

The incident occurred on Green Street in High Wycombe at approximately 11.50pm on July 14, 2023. According to Thames Valley Police, the attack followed an altercation involving several people. CCTV footage captured the moment the victim, a man in his thirties, left an address on Green Street. Florin Suta, 41, emerged from an adjacent alleyway and stabbed the victim once in the back. The victim managed to escape, but Suta pursued him along the road before falling over, which prevented further harm.

Upon arrival at the scene, police officers found the victim suffering from a stab wound to his back. Several members of the public identified Suta and informed officers that he was in possession of a knife, leading to his immediate arrest. While in custody, officers discovered that Suta had been living at a different address to the one he had notified to police. As a registered sex offender, Suta was required to inform authorities of any change of address within three days, a condition he had failed to comply with.

Suta pleaded guilty to one count each of Section 18 wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and failing to comply with notification requirements. The hearing took place at Aylesbury Crown Court on September 7, 2023, with sentencing delivered on December 1, 2023. In addition to the four-year custodial sentence, Suta will be on licence for two years following his release.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Will Blundell, of South Buckinghamshire CID, commented on the case: 'Suta attacked the victim with a knife in a targeted attack intending to cause injury. He then pursued the victim, who was running away from him, and was only prevented from causing further harm when he fell over. Suta remained in possession of the knife whilst he himself made a call to the police during which he showed no remorse for his actions.' Blundell also praised the public's assistance in identifying Suta swiftly and emphasised Thames Valley Police's commitment to tackling knife crime through Operation Deter.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by Thames Valley Police to remove knives from the streets and address serious violence in the community. No further injuries occurred despite members of the public gathering due to the disturbance, and Suta was charged the day after his arrest.