Five Men Convicted After Teen Stabbed in Terrifying Hackney Market Attack
A brutal stabbing in a packed Hackney market street left a 15-year-old fighting for his life. Five men have now been convicted for the terrifying attack that saw bystanders flee in panic, with some even fearing a terrorist incident.
Knife Violence Sparks Chaos at Broadway Market
The violent clash exploded at 11.23pm on Thursday, 30 July 2020, in bustling Broadway Market, E8, where families and nightlife crowds were enjoying their evening. Police rushed to the scene within four minutes after receiving 22 emergency calls reporting a group brawling with knives.
Officers found the teenage victim suffering multiple stab wounds. Despite first aid from a passerby, the boy was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. The attackers fled on bikes before cops arrived. A huge machete was recovered nearby, but the stabbing knife itself was never found.
Gangs Task Force Hunts Down Attackers With CCTV and Raids
The Hackney Gangs Task Force sprang into action, sifting through hours of CCTV footage to identify the seven suspects preying on the victim. The chilling clips showed the gang hunting their target before launching the savage attack.
Between August 2020 and May 2021, police swooped on the suspects with a string of pre-dawn raids. William Guy and a 17-year-old were first arrested in October 2020. Others followed with Kyle Taylor, Courtney Paul, and a 15-year-old taken in during August 2020. Paul was even found with the knife caught on CCTV hidden in his bedroom.
Self-Defence Claims Fall Flat as Court Reveals Chilling Details
During the trial, the court heard the victim had brought a machete to London Fields but was chased down and repeatedly stabbed on Broadway Market amid flying bottles and chairs. The attackers later Googled news reports of the stabbing and discussed it on Snapchat, fearing police charges due to CCTV evidence.
“It is worrying to see the young ages of defendants who were armed with machetes,” said Police Constable Cal Gregory. “Tackling violence is the top priority of the Met. The victim did not support a prosecution but we pursued a case to hold these dangerous individuals accountable.”
Criminals Face Justice – Sentencing Set for February 2022
- Kyle Taylor, 26, pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and other charges.
- Courtney Paul, 24, found guilty of GBH with intent and violent disorder.
- William Guy, 18, pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and possession of a weapon.
- Two 17-year-olds found guilty of GBH with intent and violent disorder.
- One 15-year-old acquitted of all charges.
The victim himself was arrested and charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He later pleaded guilty and was referred to the Hackney Youth Offender Panel.
The convicted will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 7 February 2022.
