Unprovoked Assault in Waltham Abbey
A man has been jailed after launching a vicious attack on a schoolboy near a row of shops in Hillhouse, Waltham Abbey. Just before 8pm on Wednesday, 11 June last year, Collins Mufuta singled out the young victim, who was walking with friends. Mufuta shouted at the teenager before repeatedly punching him.
Chase, Stabbing and Escape
The boy tried to run, but Mufuta caught up and continued the relentless assault. In a terrifying moment, he stabbed the teen in the leg before fleeing the scene. The injury to the youngster’s thigh was serious but thankfully not life-threatening.
Caught by CCTV and Forensics
Police launched a full investigation. Despite Mufuta hiding his face, detectives used painstaking CCTV analysis plus forensic and digital evidence to identify the 22-year-old, who has no fixed address. Authorities managed to match key details, including his clothing, leading to his arrest the following month in Waltham Abbey.
Denied at First, Facing Overwhelming Evidence
Mufuta refused to answer questions after his arrest and initially denied the charges. But confronted with solid evidence, he pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court in December to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a sharp weapon in public.
On Monday, 19 January, he was sentenced to five years and nine months behind bars.
