A man has been convicted of attempted murder after a waiter was stabbed in Knowle last December. 

Oliver Parnell was sat at a table in Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle on 23 December 2023, when he unexpectedly decided to leave.

The victim, a waiter, opened the door for Parnell as he left but instead of leaving, Parnell pulled a carving knife out of his pocket and stabbed the man five times. 

He then fled the restaurant. However, staff detained him nearby despite him trying to attack them with the knife. 

A 48-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries to his arms and life changing injuries to his stomach that he continues to recover from. 

During interview, Parnell said that he carried out the attack as he believed there was an imminent attack about to take place. 

However, officers found evidence that Parnell had planned what he was going to do before going to the restaurant.

The 27-year-old was charged and on Monday (8 July) he was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article at Birmingham Crown Court. He will be sentenced on 11 September. 

DC Iqra Raheel from Solihull Police Investigations Team, said: "Parnell planned the attack before he had even stepped foot inside the restaurant. Evidence recovered from his devices and a journal showed what he planned to do. 

"He also took his own knife, which shows his actions were premeditated. His intention was always to cause serious harm or worse. 

"The victim was simply carrying out a nice gesture, by holding the door open for Parnell as he went to leave and did not expect to be attacked for doing so. 

"We do not tolerate serious violence in Solihull and will do everything we can to bring those that commit violence in our borough, to justice."