Gang thug jailed after savage machete attack and stolen car crash in Clapham
A violent gang member who crashed a stolen Mercedes into a man before unleashing a brutal machete assault has been locked up following a tough Met Police probe.
Smith slammed to 7 years for terrifying Clapham attack
Nino-Tai Smith, 23, from Wandsworth Road, Nine Elms, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 June. He received eight years and 10 months, reduced to seven years and three months after pleading guilty.
Smith admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. The shocking incident happened on 10 June 2021 when Smith rammed his 25-year-old victim off a moped on Cedars Road, Clapham. He then launched a savage machete attack, leaving the victim with severe, life-changing injuries.
gun charge adds to Smith’s jail time
Just two days after the Clapham attack, Smith was caught with an illegal firearm. He pleaded guilty to possession at Inner London Crown Court in November 2022 and received a five-year sentence, to run concurrently with his machete attack term.
Met cops hail “heinous, premeditated” gang assault
Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers of the Met’s Central South Gangs Unit said:
“Smith’s victim was left with life-changing injuries. This was a heinous, premeditated attack driven by gang rivalry. Our investigators built a strong case that led to a guilty plea and justice for the victim.”
“Even if victims cannot support a prosecution, we will relentlessly pursue dangerous offenders. No code of silence protects criminals from the law.”
Clapham attack timeline
- 10 June 2021: Smith rams victim off moped and attacks with machete on Cedars Road, Clapham.
- Victim receives emergency care from police and London Ambulance Service.
- 12 June 2021: Smith arrested in Battersea with illegal firearm.
- 4 March 2025: Guilty plea entered at Croydon Crown Court.
- 4 June 2025: Smith sentenced to seven years three months in prison.
