Knifemen and Acid Attack Trio Locked Up for 30+ Years Over London Rampage
Three dangerous criminals – two men and a teenager – have been slammed with a combined 30 years behind bars for a brutal spree of 19 knife and acid robberies across north and east London. Their victims, including taxi drivers and innocent Gumtree sellers, suffered horrifying attacks that have left some with permanent injuries.
Deadly Robberies with Knives and Acid
Between 26 April and 14 May 2018, Antoine Mensah (21), Miracle Osondu (19), and 17-year-old Mohammed Ali terrorised the streets. They used knives and corrosive chemicals like ammonia and acid to threaten and injure victims while stealing cash, phones, and valuables.
- Mensah, from N22, was locked up for 13 years, later extended to 17, with a minimum of 8 years 8 months to serve.
- Osondu, from E16, got 11 years, extended to 15, serving at least 7 years 4 months.
- Ali, from Ilford, received an 8-year sentence, extended to 12 years, with a minimum of 5 years 4 months inside.
Acid Spray Attacks Leave Victims Scarred for Life
The gang’s savage attacks started with mugging taxi drivers, threatening them with knives. Their crime quickly escalated to luring strangers via Gumtree – pretending to buy or sell phones – before spraying their victims with acid and ammonia. One victim suffered permanent eye damage, losing most vision in one eye and having to quit his job.
In a chilling case on 11 May, Mensah and Osondu blasted ammonia into a man’s face during a fake phone sale in Barnet, leaving him with severe eye pain and lasting damage.
Another victim was doused with acid twice on 12 May in Barking, causing life-changing injuries and forcing him to abandon work.
Police Catch Thugs Red-Handed
On 14 May, police nabbed the trio aboard a taxi headed to their next robbery. Officers found them with a 22cm knife, a bottle of PH1 acid, balaclavas, nearly £2,000 cash, and multiple phones.
Victims Speak Out: “They Turned Me into a Zombie”
“The acid burnt my skin all over, even inside my mouth and on my tongue. They kept pouring it over me even after I’d handed over my money. When I saw myself in the mirror, I felt like a zombie. I used to be outgoing and active, but now I’m scared to go out and so tired all the time.”
Detective Constable James Rush of Enfield Major Crime Unit blasted the gang’s “truly shocking” behaviour: “They showed no guilt, using knives and acid to rob and maim victims without a second thought. These sentences keep the public safe and reflect the severity of their crimes.”
He praised the bravery of victims and the teamwork of police officers who cracked the case.
