Teen Stabs Man to Death with Machete in Maidstone Brawl
Teen Murderer Caught After Knife Rampage
A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Andre Bent in a violent knife attack in Maidstone. Vasilios Ofogeli used a machete during a brawl in Bank Street in the early hours of Sunday, 25 August 2019. Andre died from a single stab wound to the chest, while three others were seriously injured but survived.
Fled Abroad but Police Tracked Him Down
After the stabbing spree, Ofogeli fled to Greece, hoping to dodge justice. But detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate traced him using rap videos he’d posted online. He was arrested at Stansted Airport after returning to the UK on 31 August.
Nightclub Violence Spirals Out of Control
Ofogeli and friends had travelled from London to Maidstone to attend a nightclub. CCTV footage showed punches, kicks, and attacks with belts breaking out after the club closed around 3am. Ofogeli disguised himself by wrapping a hooded top over his head just before launching his deadly knife attack.
Justice for Andre and Maidstone
“Andre Bent was a popular and much-loved young man with his whole life ahead of him, but his future was cut short by Vasilios Ofogeli in the worst way imaginable,” said Detective Chief Inspector Patrick Milford. “There is no excuse for anyone to go out armed with a knife or cause such harm, and we relentlessly pursue those who do.”
Ofogeli was convicted of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and wounding with intent at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 March 2020. His sentencing is set for 24 April 2020.
Others Also Face Justice for Violent Disorder
Several other men were arrested and charged with violent disorder linked to the chaotic night. Ryan Lowe-White, 21, and Ali Aziz, 24, were acquitted of grievous bodily harm but pleaded guilty to violent disorder and will be sentenced alongside Ofogeli. Seven others admitted similar charges and await sentencing.
- Nathaniel Small, 22
- Mohamed Gelani, 24
- Darien Thompson, 21
- Yusuf Aweys, 20
- Jerral Johnson, 26
- Kaline Riley, 23
- Rheo Lawrence, 29
This deadly night of knife violence rocked Maidstone, but police vow to keep the streets safe and bring offenders to justice.
