A man has been jailed for repeatedly stabbing his father, who he claims was abusive. 

Valentino Memaj “snapped” when his dad, Ilirjam Memaj, turned up at their family home on Elmgrove Gardens, Harrow, with a birthday cake for Valentino's younger brother. 

The 26-year-old grabbed a 20cm kitchen knife and chased Ilirjam into the street where he repeatedly stabbed him. 

Valentino said that his dad had abused him, his mum and his brother for most of his life – Ilirjam denies this. 

On Thursday (February 28) Valentino was jailed for five years after he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon. 

'Delivering a birthday cake'

Prosecutor Catherine Rabaiotti summarised the facts of the case. 

On September 24 police received a call from a member of the public who had witnessed two men fighting in the street. 

When officers arrived, Ilirjam was on the floor surrounded by members of the public. 

He was rushed to hospital for life-saving treatment to wounds to his head, neck and back. 

Officers then found Ring doorbell footage that showed Ilirjam had arrived at his ex-wife's home holding a birthday cake for his other son. 

As  Ilirjam walked away from the property, Valentino left the house wearing a black tracksuit, gloves and a grey balaclava. 

He ran at his dad and stabbed him multiple times, Ms Rabaiotti said. 

The attack ended when Valentino’s mum ran after him and dragged him away. 

Valentino then ran off and dumped the balaclava, gloves and knife in a bush. 

'History of abuse'

Barrister John Kearney, representing Valentino, said his client had acted in response to prolonged violence from his father. 

The court heard allegations that Ilirjam had been abusive towards his ex-wife and two sons. 

Police had previously attended the family home as a result of various allegations, but nobody was charged.

In 2017 Ilirjam was made subject of a civil non-molestation order, but this had expired by the time of the offences. 

Mr Kearney said that on the day of the offence Valentino “snapped and lost control”. 

“There can be no justification for this, but there is an explanation,” Mr Kearney said 

He explained that Valentino had no previous convictions, worked hard to support his mum and younger brother, and was very well regarded by all who knew him. 

“It’s very sad that his future has been cut short by this,” Mr Kearney said. 

Harrow Times: Valentino MemajValentino Memaj (Image: Met Police)

'You took the law into your own hands'

Sentencing Valentino, Judge Nigel Peters KC acknowledged that there was clearly a background of animosity between Valentino and his dad. 

He said: “I’m sure you can appreciate that resorting to extreme violence is not acceptable. 

“You took the law into your own hands, you took a knife and gave him a severe stabbing. 

“If it wasn’t for the paramedics and the efforts of casualty you father would not be sitting here today.” 

He sentenced Valentino to five years in prison.