A shopkeeper who was stabbed in front of terrified school children has revealed the extent of his injuries after his attacker was jailed indefinitely.
Dhines Thangavelu, 32, was opening his off-licence in Ilford in November last year when Leon Scott launched a frenzied attack, leaving Mr Thangavelu with around 30 stab wounds.
He only survived the ordeal because Scott, 41, used the blunt side of a knife when he tried to slit his throat.
Scott has been detained indefinitely in a secure mental health facility after being convicted of attempted murder.
The Old Bailey was told he had previously been jailed for manslaughter in 1999 after stabbing a man to death.
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Mr Thangavelu suffered injuries to his right arm, back and neck, and said he has lost everything.
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He told the Evening Standard he is scared to leave his home and struggles to sleep because he thinks about the attack all the time.
He said: I havent forgiven him and I cant let it go. I feel angry and depressed. It feels like I lost everything — I have lost the will to live.
He said he was standing outside his shop, Ley Stret Food and Wine, when Scott ambushed him.
When he realised he could not escape he tried to turn his back in an attempt to protect himself – but Scott knifed him in the back as well.
Mr Thangavelu said Scott then put him in a headlock and tried to slit his throat, but used the blunt side instead.
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Several members of the public witnessed the attack, including local school children and a mother with her young children.
One passer-by intervened causing Scott to walk away.
Police arrested him shortly afterwards.
Mr Thangavelus parents now run the shop, which he has owned for the past seven years, as he continues to recover.
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