London: Carlos Vinodchandra Racitalal, 33, was convicted following four separate incidents, including one of which included a 10-year-old boy being stabbed, after a trial at Leicester Crown Court last week.
He was also found guilty of three counts of possession of a bladed article.
“This was an extremely complex investigation with very distressing circumstances,” said Detective Inspector Tim Lindley of the Leicestershire Police force.
“Racitalal is an extremely dangerous man who had no concern, regard or remorse for any of his victims, who ranged from young children to an elderly man. Racitalal carried out his attacks with weapons including knives and a car, before then running away or driving off from the scene,” he said, as he praised the “dedication and commitment” of his officers, who had worked tirelessly around the clock to gather the evidence and find the person responsible.
The judge presiding over the case also commended the officers involved in the police investigation during the sentencing hearing on Friday.
“What has struck me about this case: had there not been such a thorough and prompt police investigation, particularly regarding the work done in relation to the CCTV, the defendant would most likely still be at large – as his victims were unable to identify their attacker. In all likelihood the thoroughness of the police work on the CCTV is likely the basis upon which the jury have convicted,” said Justice Thomas Linden.
All the incidents in question took place in Leicester during January this year.
