Brutal Machete Attack at Benfleet Station: Teen Jailed for Six Years
Tranele Green, 20, from Harrow, swung a machete in a vicious fight at Benfleet station leaving a 17-year-old boy with life-threatening head wounds. Originally pleading not guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, Green suddenly changed his tune on the day his trial was set to start, 20 June, admitting guilt.
Green Locked Up for Six Years
On 20 October, a judge at Inner 1 Crown Court handed Green a hefty six-year sentence in a young offender’s institution. The barbaric attack saw Green strike the teenage boy multiple times across the head with the machete, causing deep lacerations and damaging an artery.
Co-Accused Woman Gets Community Order
Megan Smith, 22, of South Benfleet, was also convicted for attacking a 17-year-old girl in the same incident. She pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and received a 12-month community order at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 13 September. Smith was caught punching, kicking, pulling hair, and hurling abuse at the girl during the scrap.
Attack Sparks From Heated Station Brawl
The fight erupted around 2pm on Monday 11 October 2021, outside Benfleet station. The two 17-year-old victims were meeting a friend when Smith’s group arrived, sparking the violent altercation. When the boy tried to step in, Green appeared with a machete, turning a scuffle deadly.
Both victims suffered serious injuries; the boy needed urgent hospital treatment for head wounds, while the girl was left with facial injuries and concussion.
Police Praise Quick Arrests
Smith was arrested at home just hours after the attack, and Green was later caught by plainclothes officers at Rayners Lane Tube station. BTP Detective Constable Victoria Callaghan slammed the assault:
“This was a vicious attack against a boy who was simply trying to come to the aid of someone else, but was instead victim to a shocking act of violence. Green is clearly a dangerous individual and I’m pleased to see him off the network and behind bars following our investigation.”
She urged the public to report suspicious behaviour smartly:
- Text 61016
- Call 0800 40 50 40
- In emergencies, dial 999
