Three people have been jailed for a combined total of more than 40 years after a man was stabbed in a frenzied attack inside a flat in Leicester.
Emergency services were called to an address on Narborough Road shortly after 5.30pm on 19 August 2024 following reports that a 36-year-old man had been attacked inside the home of Monika Krolikowska.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The victim, who suffered life-changing injuries, told police he had previously lived near Krolikowska and had bumped into her at a nearby shop earlier that day. He said he asked if he could visit her flat to charge his phone, which she agreed to.
While the victim was sitting in the flat with Krolikowska, two men – David Rzeszowski and Damian Dwogewski – entered the property.
The victim later told officers he heard one of the men ask Krolikowska: “Is this the one?” Moments later, he was stabbed repeatedly in a 30-second attack, suffering wounds to his chest, shoulder blade, and both hands and forearms as he tried to defend himself.
After the assault, the attackers left the address on foot. The victim managed to get outside onto the street where members of the public provided first aid before police and paramedics arrived.
Initially treated as a key witness, Krolikowska, 41, was later arrested after investigators established she had invited the two men to the flat with the intention that they would attack the victim.
The victim told police he had never seen either attacker before and believed they intended to kill him.
Following the incident, Rzeszowski and Dwogewski, both 35, fled to Scotland. Rzeszowski was later arrested by Police Scotland after being identified as wanted on recall to prison, while Dwogewski was arrested in November 2024 when he returned to Leicester.
After a trial at Leicester Crown Court on 11 February, Dwogewski and Krolikowska were cleared of attempted murder. The jury was unable to reach a verdict for Rzeszowski on that charge.
However, Dwogewski and Krolikowska were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while Rzeszowski had already pleaded guilty to the same offence.
Sentencing all three at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday, 5 March:
- David Rzeszowski, now of HMP Leicester, was jailed for 15 years
- Damian Dwogewski, now of HMP Leicester, was jailed for 14 years
- Monika Krolikowska, of Main Street, Humberstone, was jailed for 14 years
Detective Constable Victoria Morris, the investigating officer, said: “This was an unprovoked attack that could’ve resulted in something far more severe. It’s evident that none of the suspects cared about what might’ve happened.
“Thankfully the victim is slowly recovering from his injuries, but the fact they were prepared to use that level of violence and potentially end his life is extremely concerning.
“I hope today’s outcome can bring some reassurance to the community that the force takes incidents involving knives extremely seriously and will work to bring those responsible to justice.”
