A former Argos warehouse worker who launched a frenzied knife attack on five of his former colleagues has pleaded guilty to ten charges, including multiple counts of wounding with intent and aggravated burglary.
Babah Sesay, 31, burst into the Argos distribution centre near Marlowe Way in Beddington, South London, on the morning of January 23. Armed with a knife, he attacked several unsuspecting staff members in what police have described as a “random and unprovoked” assault.
The victims — five men in their 20s, 30s, and 50s — were taken to hospital with stab wounds. Thankfully, none suffered life-threatening injuries, due in part to the swift intervention of emergency responders and on-site staff.
Sesay, who had previously worked at the site as a part-time warehouse labourer, fled the scene but was arrested just over an hour later at a nearby restaurant. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries before being transferred to police custody.
At Croydon Crown Court last week, he admitted to ten charges:
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Five counts of wounding with intent
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Two counts of aggravated burglary
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One count of actual bodily harm (ABH)
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One count of assault by beating
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One count of possession of an offensive weapon
A security guard who confronted Sesay during the attack was hailed as a hero for tackling the knifeman despite being injured in the process. “The attacker claimed he worked at Argos to trick his way past security,” said one staff member. “The guard was stabbed but kept going — he saved lives.”
One witness, Joseph Denton, who was present for an audit, recalled the terrifying moment:
“People were shouting ‘He’s back!’ and we locked ourselves in a room. We could hear shouting and chaos from the warehouse.”
Detective Sergeant Dan Rutland of the Metropolitan Police praised the quick response of officers and staff on the ground:
“The swift actions of our officers helped to ensure no one was seriously hurt in this incident. I hope this, and the judicial result, brings closure and comfort to those involved and shows that we will not tolerate violence in any form.”
Sesay is due to be sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on June 5.
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