Connor Keys, 24, of Dalton Avenue, Mitcham, appeared in court today facing serious charges, including attempted murder, following a violent 90-minute crime spree in Mitcham. The incidents culminated in a stabbing at Saxonbury Close, leaving one man in critical condition.
The sequence of attacks began around 11:19 PM on Monday, June 24, when a man was assaulted at Priory Retail Park. This initial encounter was reportedly unprovoked, with the suspect approaching and attacking the victim. Approximately half an hour later, at 11:48 PM, a 61-year-old man sustained a head injury after an assault on Belgrave Road, as reported by ambulance staff to the police.
The spree escalated to a more severe attack at 12:51 AM, when police were called to Saxonbury Close following reports of a stabbing. The victim of this attack was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Keys is charged with ten offences, including attempting to murder by stabbing a man in the neck and back. Additional charges against him include Section 18 grievous bodily harm relating to the second victim, robbery, assaulting police officers, and racially aggravated criminal damage.
During his appearance via video link from HMP Wandsworth at the Old Bailey, Keys, dressed in a grey t-shirt and with close-cut brown hair, spoke only to confirm his name. The court session presided over by Her Honour Judge Anuja Dhir KC, set a provisional trial date for March 2025.
As the defendant has not yet been asked to enter pleas, he was remanded in custody pending further proceedings. The series of violent incidents has shocked the Mitcham community, prompting a strong response from local law enforcement as they continue to investigate the motives behind this spree of attacks.
