Friend Guilty of Murder in Thame Stabbing Tragedy
Nathan Braim, 20, has been convicted of murdering 19-year-old Josh Harling in a shocking attack in Thame. Braim, of Broadwaters Avenue, was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
Benjamin Eyles, 19, from Marlow Bottom, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. Both men were involved in the deadly July 2020 stabbing.
Violent Hunt Ends in Deadly Stabbing
On the evening of Wednesday 22 July 2020, Josh Harling was found seriously injured inside an overturned car on Chinnor Road, Thame. Initially thought to be a road traffic accident, it emerged Harling had suffered a fatal knife wound inflicted by Braim during a brief but vicious altercation just minutes earlier in Cotmore Close.
The attack followed a chilling attempt days earlier, when Braim and Eyles hunted for Harling in Elms Park armed with long poles, intending to cause him serious harm. The pair, close friends involved in local drug supply disputes, failed to find him that night – but fate brought them face-to-face days later.
Chaotic Escape Ends in Crash
After Braim stabbed Harling, the victim fled to his green Volkswagen Polo and tried to escape. Braim smashed the car’s rear windscreen as Harling sped away. Soon, the stabbed teen lost control on Essex Road and crashed into parked cars before his vehicle flipped over onto its roof.
Despite desperate efforts by paramedics and passersby, Harling died at the scene. A post-mortem confirmed the fatal cause was the chest stab wound.
Police Condemn Knife Crime, Praise Victim’s Family
“This was a needless and tragic incident which ended a young life full of promise,” said Detective Inspector Mike Roddy of Thames Valley Police.
“The violence from Braim and Eyles cannot be justified. Their prior plan to seriously injure Josh shows this was no random attack.”
“The background involved drug supply rivalries in Thame, but the violence on that night was completely unacceptable.”
“I pay tribute to Josh’s family for their bravery and dignity through this painful trial.”
“Knife crime ruins lives. If you carry a knife, expect ruthless police action. We will continue to fight serious violence with prevention and enforcement.”
Nathan Braim and Benjamin Eyles will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Friday 26 February. Both face lengthy prison terms for their roles in the fatal attack that shocked the Thame community.
