Teen, 19, ‘crawled away’ from gang after being stabbed multiple times in South London train attack
A 19-year-old man ‘crawled’ along a train carriage to escape his gang of attackers after being stabbed multiple times in the leg with a 17-inch blade onboard a train in South London. Four men have been sentenced to a total of more than seven years in Young Offenders Institutes for the ‘senseless’ attack.
Rowan Jones, 21, of Maud Chadburn Place, Lambeth, Kumarl Best, 19, of Hunter Road, Thorton Heath, Croydon, Jahvarn Warren, 19, of Castillon Road, Lewisham and Rahim Al-Kamara, 21, of Hatfield Close, Lewisham were sentenced on Monday, September 30 at Inner London Crown Court.
The four men attacked their victim onboard a Southeastern train headed towards St John’s station on November 21, 2023, a court heard. Warren and Jones grabbed the victim's coat, when he boarded the train at Hither Green Railway Station, slapping him in the face, while Best stabbed him multiple times with a large knife.
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With the victim on the floor, the group filmed themselves kicking and punching him. After the four retreated to their seats, the victim then ‘hobbled' to the next carriage before collapsing on the seat.
The group of attackers ran off the train at St John’s while the victim limped off the train and was helped by the public and the ambulance service. He was taken to hospital and treated for a large stab wound on his thigh, smaller wounds to his thigh and several defensive wounds to his hands.
Investigating officer DC Danny Nelson said: “This was a brutal and senseless attack and the victim was fortunate not to sustain further injuries.
“While none of the four revealed the reason for their actions, the frenzied nature of their onslaught leaves no doubt that their intention was to cause serious injury.
“There is absolutely no reason to carry a deadly weapon like this in public, unless they mean to endanger life.”
DCI Paul Attwell added: “This was a complex investigation into a vicious attack and I thank the team involved for their tireless work and dedication. Knife crime remains a blight on society and we will not stop in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice."
All four were identified by CCTV and mobile data. They were then all arrested at their home addresses. A 17-inch blade ‘stained with the victim's blood’ was found at Best’s home.
Jones pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a weapon in private, receiving a 21 month sentence. Best pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon and was sentenced to 31 months.
Warren admitted causing grievous bodily harm and affray, receiving an 18 month sentence. Al-Kamara pleaded guilty to affray and was sentenced to 17 months.
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