University pledges to take action after four students involved in Leicester stabbing

Four students who took part in a Leicester brawl in which a teenager was stabbed four times are to face a “disciplinary process”, their university has said. Destiny Ojo, Habib Lawal, Ridwanulahi Raheem and Joshua Davies-Ero were studying at the city's De Montfort University (DMU) when they used knives, a baseball bat and a crutch, in the "large fight", Leicestershire Police said.

The four had been out together in Leicester city centre on Thursday, November, 4, 2021, when they came across another group in New Park Street, off Braunstone Gate, in the city's West End, and a row broke out, leading to violence. They were sentenced on Thursday (November 14), following a six-week trial which concluded last month.

A spokesperson for the university told LeicestershireLive today (Tuesday, November 19) that the four men were suspended from their studies “immediately after the incidents”. They added that DMU would now "complete a disciplinary process against those convicted". LeicestershireLive asked DMU what the "disciplinary process" might look like, and whether it would allow the men to continue their studies at some point, but it declined to comment further.

READ MORE: University students used knives, baseball bat and crutch in Leicester stabbing

The spokesperson said: “We condemn violence and take any incidents involving our students very seriously. Our sympathy is with the teenager who ended up in hospital with injuries.

“All those charged were suspended from their studies immediately after the incident. As the criminal trial has now concluded, we will swiftly complete a disciplinary process against those convicted.”

CCTV footage showed the four defendants arming themselves with weapons: Davies-Ero was seen to be carrying a crutch; Ojo was seen with a baseball bat; and Lawal was carrying what was believed to be a knife. Raheem was also later seen carrying a large knife, the force said.

As the fighting continued, an 18-year-old man who was in the other group and had been involved in the fighting, was thrown to the ground and attacked. He suffered four stab wounds to his body. He was taken to hospital for treatment, and later discharged. The four suspects left the scene before they could be arrested.

Police said they carried out inquiries over the next few months to find those responsible. The force said the investigation included CCTV analysis, "phone work" and public appeals, which led to identifications being made.

The men were sentenced as follows:

• Ojo, 21, of Warland Road, Plumstead, London, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

• Lawal, 21, of Lumley Close, Bexley, London, was sentenced to five years imprisonment after being found guilty of violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm and committing grievous bodily harm with intent.

• Raheem, 21, of George Mathers Road, Lambeth, London, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.

• Davies-Ero, 21, of Springfield Road, Bexley, London, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after being found guilty of violent disorder.

A fifth defendant, Justin Asamoah, 22, of Rawnsley Avenue, Merton, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article. He is due to be sentenced on Friday (November 22).

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first