Gang Members Jailed for Brutal Ipswich Stabbing Spree
Eight males have been sentenced to a total of 19 years behind bars after a savage stabbing and gang violence rocked Ipswich. Five of the offenders were also slapped with Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) banning them from key areas and restricting who they can meet for the next three years.
Teen Mekhi Ebanks Gets 3 Years for Stabbing
Seventeen-year-old Mekhi Ebanks admitted wounding with intent after a chilling attack on Upper Brook Street on 2 June last year. His victim was seriously stabbed in the town centre, landing Ebanks three years in custody. Judge Martyn Levett also lifted the reporting restrictions on Ebanks, Kovalkov, and Talacka, all minors involved in the case.
Other Gang Members Receive Heavy Sentences
- Gerson Assuncao, 22: Nearly six years for drug supply, knife possession, affray, and handling criminal property.
- Daniel Kovalkov, 17: 42 months for drug dealing and affray.
- Laurynas Talacka, 17: Nine-month youth rehab order plus 30 hours unpaid work for affray.
- Matas Vaitekunas, 20: Three years for drug supply, affray, and carrying an offensive weapon.
- Ethan Smith, 22: 44 months for drug offences plus a five-year Serious Crime Prevention Order.
- Bobby Walters, 26: 12-month suspended sentence for affray.
- Michael Crumlish, 27: 16-month suspended sentence after admitting affray and carrying a machete publicly.
Police Crack Down on Gang Violence and Drugs
Detective Inspector Thomas Pearse revealed the attack was gang-related, involving local youths. He said, “Despite a lack of support from those involved, convictions were secured against all four attackers.”
Proactive policing also netted more convictions for drug supply and related crimes among known associates. The Criminal Behaviour Orders ban gang members from certain Ipswich areas, restrict contacts, and even control mobile phone use to curb ongoing trouble.
