A former mathematics teacher has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for what a judge described as a "frenzied" knife attack outside an Aldi supermarket, during which several members of the public bravely intervened to protect others.
Violent Incident Unfolds in Southampton
Azzeddine Mahmoudi, a 46-year-old Southampton resident with an aerospace degree, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to multiple charges including two counts of unlawful wounding, one count of affray, and two counts of possession of a bladed article. The court heard how Mahmoudi brandished a long kitchen knife during the incident on Sunday, August 3, creating what police described as a "terrifying" situation for bystanders.
Public Heroism Prevents Greater Tragedy
According to Hampshire Constabulary, several members of the public demonstrated remarkable courage during the attack. Witnesses reportedly sought to contain Mahmoudi and lead him away from the busiest areas, with one individual later telling the court they "just wanted to help" rather than trying to be a hero. Detective Constable Ryan Mitchell emphasised that the fact no one was more seriously injured or killed was "in no small part thanks to the heroic actions" of these individuals.
CCTV footage presented in court showed Mahmoudi pursuing multiple people outside the supermarket, including one individual with a scooter and two other men. The footage also captured a stand-off between Mahmoudi and a person pushing a shopping trolley before police vehicles arrived at the scene.
Victims and Aftermath
The court heard that two people suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries during the attack. The first victim sustained cuts to his head and arm, while the second man suffered injuries to his hand. Mahmoudi also attempted to assault five additional people during what Judge William Mousley KC described as a "prolonged incident" that caused panic among members of the public, including children.
When police officers arrived, they used incapacitant spray to subdue Mahmoudi before arresting him. During a subsequent search, authorities discovered a second, smaller knife in his possession.
Mental Health Considerations
The court was informed that Mahmoudi had been suffering from mental health issues for several years prior to the incident. This context was presented during sentencing proceedings, though Judge Mousley emphasised the seriousness of the offences and the impact on victims and witnesses.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Mousley noted that many witnesses had discussed "the ongoing anxiety" caused by the attack, highlighting the psychological trauma experienced by those who witnessed the violent episode on what should have been an ordinary summer afternoon.
