Thame Stabbing: Nathan Braim Found Guilty of Murder
Nathan Braim, 20, from Broadwaters Avenue, Thame, has been found guilty of murder. He was also convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon in public.
His accomplice, Benjamin Eyles, 19, of Monks Hollow, Marlow Bottom, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent.
Deadly Altercation Leaves Josh Harling Fatally Stabbed
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of 22 July last year. Josh Harling, 19, was found seriously injured inside an overturned car on Chinnor Road, Thame.
Initially believed to be a traffic accident, police later discovered Josh had been stabbed in the chest — a wound inflicted during an earlier fight with Braim.
Four days before the fatal attack, Braim and Eyles had been hunting for Josh around Elms Park, Thame, armed with long poles set to do serious damage. Failing to find him then, they re-engaged with him on 22 July in Cotmore Close.
Violent Chase Ends in Fatal Crash
That night, Braim and Eyles spotted Josh’s green Volkswagen Polo and a brief scuffle broke out. Braim stabbed Josh during the fight. Despite the injury, Josh tried to escape by driving off, but Braim smashed his car’s rear windscreen.
Josh lost control of the car on Essex Road and crashed into parked vehicles before flipping over. Paramedics were called, but Josh died at the scene.
Police Condemn Knife Crime and Drug-Related Violence
“This was a needless and tragic incident which resulted in the death of a young man with his life ahead of him,” said Detective Inspector Mike Roddy of Thames Valley Police.
“Braim and Eyles had plotted to seriously harm Josh days earlier, so this was no random attack. While Eyles was cleared of murder, the jury found he was complicit in the manslaughter.
“The violence stems from local drug supply rivalries, but there is never any excuse for this kind of brutality.”
“We urge anyone who carries knives to think seriously about the risks. Thames Valley Police will relentlessly pursue offenders and bring them to justice.”
Braim and Eyles will face sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on Friday 26 February.
