Teen with prior gun and machete offences rearrested over attempted murder — sparking a furious row over court bail and sentencing reforms.
Juvenile “Machete Bandit” Back Behind Bars
A 15-year-old boy, already arrested in February for carrying a gun and a two-foot machete, was rearrested this week on suspicion of attempted murder. Despite his serious previous charges, the teen was granted bail, only to allegedly attempt a machete stabbing in Thamesmead on Sunday, May 25.
The Metropolitan Police caught him again on Tuesday, May 27, in Eltham. He now faces suspicion of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a Class B drug.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley blasted the bail decision during a BBC Radio 4 Today interview, exposing how frontline cops have to scramble after offenders on bail.
“Yesterday we were chasing around a teenager involved in machete attacks, previously arrested for firearms,” Sir Mark said. “We thought he was remanded, but he skipped his bail. We’ve put massive resources into chasing him — and he’s been caught again, with a machete.”
Sentencing Shake-Up Sparks Alarm
The government’s prison reform plan, revealed last week, proposes early release for some violent offenders, abolishing custodial sentences under 12 months, and expanding community alternatives to jail.
- Early release on good behaviour for certain violent and sexual offenders.
- Abolition of short custodial sentences below 12 months.
- More community sentences instead of prison time.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood claims these measures will cut reoffending and ease prison overcrowding. But Sir Mark warned they will heap pressure on police resources.
“Some of those who would’ve been in prison will reoffend — probation can’t do a perfect job. We’ll face more recalls, more surveillance, and more arrests,” the Commissioner said. “It’s extra work that puts pressure on our officers and resources.”
He urged tougher bail decisions and greater caution in releasing high-risk offenders back onto the streets.
London’s Youth Violence Crisis Deepens
This case highlights the growing epidemic of knife crime and youth violence across London. In 2024, there have been over 14,000 offences involving bladed weapons — many committed by teens.
The Met continues to push for harsher judicial responses, including longer remand for those caught with weapons.
If you have information about youth violence or want to report a crime anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
