Costel Galoi bit off a man’s ear, threatened police with a knife and is now jailed for eight years

In one of the most disturbing outbursts of violence seen on Britain’s streets in recent memory, Costel Remus Galoi has been jailed for eight years after a vicious rampage in Leicester that saw him bite off a man’s ear before charging at police officers with a knife.

The 40-year-old maniac left a trail of horror on Fosse Road North last July in an explosion of rage that shocked even seasoned emergency workers. His wild-eyed, shirtless charge—kitchen knife in hand—was captured on harrowing police bodycam footage, with officers shouting frantically: “He’s got a knife!” and “He’s coming at us!”

Galoi’s frenzied actions began moments earlier, when he ambushed a 39-year-old man in a terrifying robbery attempt. The victim, who had been on his way to meet a woman, instead encountered Galoi armed with a gun and demanding cash. But this wasn’t just a simple mugging—it was the start of a grotesque and prolonged assault.

Dragged into a nearby garden, the victim was held in a chokehold as Galoi launched into a crazed attack. Then came the unthinkable: Galoi sank his teeth into the man’s face and bit clean through his left ear. Blood poured down the victim’s neck as he desperately broke free and bolted for safety, waving down passing drivers in a state of panic.

But Galoi wasn’t finished.

Grabbing a large kitchen knife, he gave chase through the street—slashing at his fleeing target and causing gruesome injuries to his hand and forearm. The bloodbath only ended when police arrived and were forced to use pepper spray to bring the frenzied attacker down.

Miraculously, the victim was treated in hospital and survived the ordeal. The police officers involved, though visibly shaken, emerged physically unscathed after narrowly dodging the blade.

The courtroom later heard that Galoi’s rampage wasn’t his first brush with the law. A long list of charges was thrown at him: wounding with intent, possession of a firearm, robbery, knife possession, and assaulting emergency workers. After a trial that stunned even seasoned legal observers, he was found guilty on four counts and sentenced to eight years behind bars.

Leicestershire Police Detective Constable Eliot Bates didn’t mince words when reacting to the sentencing. “Galoi was determined to cause the victim some harm. He turned on the officers and tried to stab them. This was a vicious attack and the victim was lucky to survive. Our officers work tirelessly, often risking their lives to protect the public, and they should not be subjected to such horrific violence.”

In court, the judge praised the bravery of the officers who stood between a crazed attacker and potentially more bloodshed. Their swift actions, under pressure and threat, likely prevented even greater tragedy.

But as the nation reels from yet another brutal knife crime, questions are once again being asked: Are we doing enough to stop the tide of street violence? How many more victims must bear scars—both visible and hidden—before the system gets a grip?

For now, Costel Galoi is behind bars. But for the traumatised victim and the officers who faced his fury, the nightmare lingers. Justice may have been served, but the cost of violence is never confined to the courtroom.