'Gang linked' London drug dealer jailed for Nottingham stabbing after putting student in 6 week coma

A drug dealer with links to gangs in London wrote drill lyrics bragging about a stabbing that left a student in a six week coma. William Osaseri, 19, chased and stabbed the 20-year-old victim along a footpath in the Radford area of Nottingham just before 6pm on June 27, 2024. This severed the victim's brachial artery, and they suffered brain injuries making it unlikely he will finish his studies.

After the stabbing, Osaseri picked up a rucksack that had been dropped by the victim and fled the scene. Osaseri was identified as the knifeman through CCTV and he was arrested on July 7 at his home address in Le May Avenue in Grove Park, Lewisham. There officers found deal bags of cannabis, scales, and the blue-handled knife used to stab the victim.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (November 21), the prosecution also said a note was found on Osaseri's phone of lyrics from a drill song which included the lines ‘is it blood that I drew?’ and ‘my knife turned blue to red’. Nottinghamshire Police say the motive is unclear, but that the court heard Osaseri had links to gangs in London and he was dealing drugs on university campuses.

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Osaseri, aged 19, was sentenced on Thursday (November 21) having pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, theft from a person, possession of a knife in a public place and possession of a Class B drug. Sending him to a young offender’s institution for eight years, Recorder Simon King said it was 'pure luck' that he was not being sentenced for murder.

'He has shown no remorse or concern'

Detective Sergeant Nigel Malik, who oversaw the CID investigation, said: “This was a brutal attack with several attempts made to strike the victim with a lethal weapon. One of these attempts succeeded and the victim was incredibly lucky to survive. Had it not been for the officers who were on scene within minutes and provided critical first aid, the outcome would have been very different.

“Due to a lack of oxygen caused by the stab wound, the victim now has a life-changing brain injury that continues to hold significant implications for both himself and his family – and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to return to university to resume his studies.

“The seriousness of the victim’s condition saw the incident treated as attempted murder from the outset, and a comprehensive investigation by detectives built up a clear evidential picture that identified Osaseri as the suspect and resulted in his arrest and charge.

“He has shown no remorse or concern for the victim. Indeed, he went on to write his own rap verse about the incident and bragged about it to associates.

“There is understandable public concern around violence involving knives and we want to reassure people that we will always treat these incidents very seriously and do everything we can to make sure that dangerous offenders like Osaseri are brought to justice and taken off our streets.

“We hope the significant custodial term that he has received will send a very clear message to those who think they can carry and use knives without having to face the consequences, and also provide some reassurance to the community.”

Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582.

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