Brutal Youth Worker Murderers Caught After Four-Hour Knife Rampage in London
Two teenagers, Nathan Gilmaney and Troy Thomas, both 18, have been found guilty at the Old Bailey of the shocking murder of charity youth worker Abdul Samad, 28, amid a violent spree across Maida Vale and Paddington. The pair stabbed Abdul to death in a ruthless robbery for his iPhone and left several others seriously injured in a gripping four-hour crime spree.
Knife-Wielding Teens Terrorise Streets on Moped
Gilmaney and Thomas, described by police as “highwaymen of the 21st century,” prowled the streets on a moped with number plates removed, armed with knives and a terrifying disregard for human life. Over just four hours, they carried out nine knife-point robberies across West London, stabbing four victims, including Abdul, who tragically died from a fatal chest wound.
Detective Inspector Shaun Fitzgerald blasted the pair’s cold-blooded attitude: “These teenagers believed they had the right to threaten and rob wherever they wanted, stabbing victims for no reason other than to prove they could. The fact they continued their spree even as paramedics tried to save Abdul on the street is utterly chilling.”
Spine-Chilling Details of the Murder
- On October 16, 2017, the duo set off, swapping between rider and pillion on the moped throughout the night.
- Their first victim was chased and stabbed in the lung after trying to escape onto a bus.
- A man and his elderly aunt were robbed at knife-point; the man was also stabbed in the stomach.
- Abdul was robbed in Paddington, handing over his phone and wallet before being stabbed in the chest despite compliance.
- Abdul collapsed at his home and was rushed to hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
- The rampage continued with multiple other victims threatened and stabbed.
Police Chase Ends in Capture
Police tracked the moped with Gilmaney and Thomas aboard after reports of attacks. Despite attempts to escape—Gilmaney even discarding his helmet—the pair were cornered in a dead-end street. Officers wrestled Gilmaney to the ground, aware he was armed, while a police helicopter helped locate Thomas hiding under a car.
Both were arrested on suspicion of murder and other offences, charged shortly after. Stolen items from several victims, including Abdul’s bank card, were recovered from their pockets. Though Thomas threw away a lock knife during his escape, Gilmaney’s knife remains missing.
Victim Impact Statements Reveal Heartbreaking Grief
Abdul’s mother, Layla Begum: “The death of my son has absolutely broken my husband, my eldest son, my entire family and me. Not a moment goes by without tears. Abdul has been taken from us forever. I feel like a dead woman walking.”
Abdul’s girlfriend, Sultana Ahmed: “Abdul was caring, kind and loving. We had plans to start a family and a future together. I felt like I died with him that day. He lived to help children and brighten the future. Why would someone snatch his life away? Every day I relive that nightmare.”
Sentencing is set for 15 June at the Old Bailey.
