Four men have been sentenced to more than 100 years in prison collectively for their involvement in a vicious knife attack in Southwark, central London, on New Year’s Day last year. The victim, an 18-year-old man, miraculously survived despite sustaining 60 stab wounds in the assault, which left him fighting for his life.
Kevaniel Perkins-Robinson, Tashan Bailey-Brown, Denzel Ealmeida, and Darren Soyemi were found guilty of attempted murder after a four-week trial at the Old Bailey in February. Today, they were sentenced to lengthy prison terms at the same court.
Detective Sergeant Yikira Turner, leading the investigation, described the attack as “vicious” and “pre-planned.” She commended the efforts of the investigation team and the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighting the crucial support received from brave individuals in the local community.
Turner expressed hope that the sentencing would bring some measure of closure to the victim and his family, allowing them to focus on his recovery, while also providing reassurance to the community that the perpetrators have been held accountable.
Bailey-Brown received a 24-year prison term, while Ealmeida, Soyemi, and Perkins-Robinson were all sentenced to 31 years behind bars.
The swift apprehension of the suspects was made possible by the diligent work of law enforcement officers. Officers managed to arrest all but Perkins-Robinson after intercepting a car fleeing the scene. Ealmeida’s attempt to discard bloodied clothing during the escape was thwarted when the items were recovered and found to contain the victim’s blood.
Perkins-Robinson was identified and arrested in June last year following the recovery of incriminating evidence from the car.
The sentencing sends a clear message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face severe consequences for their actions.
