Exclusive - Maida Vale stabbing: Killer who knifed ex was due in court today over stalking breach

The killer who knifed his ex to death before dying after being hit by a car was due in court today - just three days after the attack - over a breach of a stalking order.

Leon McCaskre, 41, who stabbed Yasmin Chkaifi, 43, his ex-partner, to death in Maida Vale, west London, on Monday, was set to appear in court today for breaching his protection order, LondonWorld can reveal.

A warrant for his arrest, which said he should be held without bail, was issued on Tuesday, January 4, by Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

He was accused of breaching an interim stalking protection order, which barred him from contacting mum-of-two Ms Chkaifi.

McCaskre - who has also been recorded under the name McCaskie - would have been due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today (Thursday, January 27) in relation to the breach, LondonWorld understands.

While Ms Chkaifi told a friend two years ago that McCaskre was “recording” her and that she feared her ex-partner would kill her, the BBC reported.

Her family said after her death: “She had a panic alarm in her house and he was extremely abusive.

“The police were aware of his abuse and social workers were involved.”

Witnesses recounted how they saw McCaskre stabbing Ms Chkaifi repeatedly in Chippenham Road, Maida Vale, on Monday.

Raad Jiyad, 52, explained how he tried to stop the savage attack, and held the mum-of-two in his arms while she was dying.

“I saw him stab her four or five times in the chest,” he said.

“The woman was screaming, crying for help and was covered in blood.

“He said ‘nobody come to me’ and ‘take it’ as he stabbed her.

“I tried to speak to her as she was bleeding and held her as she took her last breath. I have blood on my hand from it.”

A man in a blue Renault Clio hit McCaskre, to try and stop him attacking Ms Chkaifi and others.

The 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder, and since been released on bail.

He released a statement, via his lawyer, in which he said he does “not see why I as the person who tried to assist in the defence of other human beings remain arrested”.

Ms Chkaifi’s family described the driver as a “hero”.

The Met Police have referred themselves to a police watchdog following the deaths.

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said : "We can confirm that we have received a referral from the Metropolitan Police regarding their contact with Yasmin Chkaifi prior to her tragic death in Maida Vale, London, on January 24.

“We are currently assessing the available information, and have requested more, to determine what further action may be required from us.”

Tributes were paid to the mother-of-two, who worked as a qualified childminder, and was studying for a masters degree, at a vigil in Maida Vale where candles and flowers were laid on Wednesday.

One message read: “Waffa was a beautiful person with an amazing soul. All my love and prayers go to Waffa and her family.”

The Met Police told LondonWorld it could not comment, now that the IOPC had opened an inves