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

Four university students used knives, a baseball bat and a crutch in a Leicester fight in which a teenager was stabbed four times. The four men were students at De Montfort University, in Leicester, when the incident happened, at around 3am on Thursday, November, 4, 2021.

Destiny Ojo, Habib Lawal, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Joshua Davies-Ero had been out together in Leicester city centre when they came across another group in New Park Street, off Braunstone Gate, in the city's West End. An argument took place between the groups, before a "large fight" broke out, Leicestershire Police said.

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.

READ MORE: People arrested in 'shameful escalation' after Leicester university building occupied by protesters

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 being 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.

On Thursday (November 14), following a six-week trial which concluded last month, the four men were sentenced in connection with the incident.

• 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).

Detective Constable Sean Downey said today (Monday, November 18): “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation.”

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first