Drinkers run in terror as from street market showdown

Five gang members have been jailed after they chased a 15-year-old through drinkers and diners enjoying a summer evening like ‘a pack of wolves.’

The gang called themselves ‘The Real A’ team and pursued the teenager through Broadway Market in Hackney, an area with outdoor seating for pubs and restaurants.

Onlookers were so terrified they thought that a terrorist incident was underway and many ran screaming to safety.

Police took 22 calls from members of the public as the terrifying incident unfolded on 30 July 2020.

The victim had travelled to the area with his friends for a gang
showdown and was also brandishing a machete.

He was bombarded with bottles and chairs by the chasing gang and was found with multiple stab wounds.

Officers took over first aid from a member of the public and he was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Fortunately he has made a full recovery and was later charged himself.

Passing sentence at Harrow crown court, Judge Rosa Dean, said the gang ‘acted like a pack of wolves.’

Kyle Taylor, 26, of Hackney, admitted possession of an offensive weapon, GBH with intent and violent disorder and was jailed for six years and four months.

Courtney Paul, 24, of Tottenham, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon and was found guilty of GBH with intent and violent disorder. He was jailed for eight years.

Cameron James-Meade, 18, of Hackney, was found guilty of both GBH with intent and violent disorder and was jailed for three years.

William Guy, 18, of Hackney, pleaded guilty to GBH with intent, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon and was jailed for five years and six months.

Amario Kerr, 18, of Hackney was found guilty of both GBH with intent and violent disorder and was jailed for three years.

The suspects Googled the stabbing on their phones to read about it in the news and Paul had a photo of the victim saved in his phone.

Guy and James-Meade discussed the incident in Snapchat group called ‘The Real A Team’ knowing they were going to be caught because of
CCTV footage.

Paul, who has two previous convictions for possession of knives, told the court he ‘found’ the knife in the park and picked it up in self-defence.

Guy also stated he was acting in self-defence but admitted to losing control during the stabbing.

PC Cal Gregory of the Hackney Gangs Task Force said: ‘This was long and meticulous investigation where we carefully pieced together the evidence to build our case.

‘The incident was frightening for the many members of the public in the area at the time and shows the impact violence can have on communities.

‘The victim did not support a prosecution so our investigation sends a strong message to all violent individuals that we will pursue them wherever possible.

The 15-year-old victim was arrested in August 2020.

He was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. He subsequently pleaded guilty on 16 March 2021 at Stratford Magistrates’ Court.

He was referred to the Hackney Youth Offender panel.