A violent gang offender who drove a stolen car into a man before launching a brutal machete attack has been jailed following a complex investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives.
Nino-Tai Smith, 23, of Wandsworth Road, Nine Elms, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 June, to eight years and 10 months in prison, later reduced to seven years and three months after a guilty plea credit. He previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
The attack took place on 10 June 2021, when Smith rammed his 25-year-old victim off a moped with a stolen Mercedes on Cedars Road, Clapham, before violently assaulting him with a machete. The victim suffered severe, life-changing injuries.
Linked Firearm Offence
In a separate case, Smith had earlier pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm at Inner London Crown Court in November 2022 after being arrested just two days after the Clapham assault. That offence resulted in a five-year sentence, to be served concurrently with the machete attack sentence.
High-Intensity Manhunt and Arrest
Following the Clapham attack, Met officers launched an urgent investigation, tracing the stolen vehicle and using mobile phone data to link Smith to the scene. On 12 June 2021, Smith was located at the Patmore Estate in Battersea. After a short foot chase, officers arrested him and recovered an illegal firearm he had discarded nearby.
Met Police: “A Heinous, Premeditated Attack”
Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers, of the Met’s Central South Gangs Unit, said:
“Smith’s victim was left with life-changing injuries. This was a heinous, premeditated attack driven by gang rivalry. Brilliant investigative work built a compelling case, leading to a guilty plea and justice for the victim.”
DI Summers added:
“Even when victims cannot support a prosecution, we will pursue dangerous criminals. No code of silence will protect offenders from the law.”
Timeline of Key Events
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10 June 2021 – Machete attack on Cedars Road, Clapham
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Victim receives emergency care from police and LAS
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12 June 2021 – Smith arrested in Battersea with illegal firearm
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4 March 2025 – Guilty plea at Croydon Crown Court
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4 June 2025 – Sentenced to 7 years 3 months’ imprisonment
