A South London thug has been jailed for ramming a stolen Mercedes into a motorcyclist before stabbing him with a machete. The court heard how the attack prompted by a gang rivalry resulted in the 25-year-old victim suffering life-changing injuries.
Nino-Tai Smith, 23, of Wandsworth Road in Nine Elms was jailed for more than seven years at Croydon Crown Court on June 4. He pleaded guilty at the same court in March to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
The horrific attack happened in Cedars Road, Clapham on June 10, 2021. In the aftermath Smith made off from the scene and crashed in nearby Newby Street. Following this he ditched the machete and fled the area on foot before the police arrived.
Just two days after the attack, Scotland Yard tracked Smith down to the Patmore Estate in Battersea. A brief chase followed before he was detained and found in possession of an illegal firearm.
‘Senseless violence has no place on London’s streets’
Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers, who heads the Met’s Central South Gangs Unit, said: “Smith’s victim was left with severe, life-changing injuries and I’m proud of the investigation team’s efforts in bringing this violent offender to justice. Brilliant investigative work helped to paint a compelling picture of Smith’s guilt, and led him to plead guilty on the first day of trial.
“Senseless violence has no place on London’s streets, and I hope this case demonstrates our determination to pursue dangerous criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”
Smith was jailed for eight years and 10 months at Croydon Crown Court on June 4. This was reduced to seven years and three months after credit, following his guilty plea in March.
Smith also pleaded guilty of possessing a firearm at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, November 14, 2022. He was handed a five-year sentence for this offence, which he is serving concurrently with his most recent sentence.
DI Summers added: “This was a heinous, premeditated attack motivated by intergang rivalry. We will always seek to prosecute such matters – even when a victim is unable for whatever reason to support a prosecution.
“Neither intimidation nor any perceived code of silence will prevent us from relentlessly pursuing justice. The investigation team have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this amazing result, and I am again humbled by the investigators’ dedication, detective ability and professionalism.”
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