Two jailed for 'brutal' Colchester stabbing outside chicken shop
Kaya Adu 19 and Rushi Jadeja, 22, argued with the 16 year old victim before stabbing them multiple times in January
Last updated 4th Jun 2024
Two men have been sentenced after stabbing a boy outside a chicken shop in Colchester, in January.
Kaya Adu, 19, and Rushi Jadeja, 22 pleaded guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm with intent in April, after initially being charged with attempted murder.
Investigation
An investigation by Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate was launched on Tuesday, 9 January after a 16-year-old boy was found seriously injured on Queen Street in Colchester.
The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and has since made a full recovery.
Enquiries were quickly launched, and a scene remained in place in the city centre for a couple of days.
CCTV enquiries indicated that the victim had been involved in an argument with two men inside Pepes Chicken Shop shortly before 6:30 pm. The argument escalated into a fight in the street, where the victim sustained multiple stab wounds.
These enquiries identified Kaya Adu, 19, and Rushi Jadeja, then 21, as the main suspects.
They were arrested in Colchester on 13 January and charged with attempted murder. Adu was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Guilty Plea
Following a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 9 April, both men entered guilty pleas to Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, which was accepted.
At Chelmsford Crown Court on 4 June 2024, Kaya Adu was sentenced to 9 years and 9 months in prison, while Rushi Jadeja received a sentence of 6 years and 9 months.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said:
“This assault was extremely concerning for residents in Colchester, taking place outside a busy fast food restaurant in the early evening.
“The victim sustained serious injuries and has had to undergo multiple surgeries following this assault but has thankfully made a full recovery.
“By the two men entering a guilty plea, this has saved the victim from having to wait for a trial to get his justice. I hope this allows him to put this awful assault behind him and move forward.
“I have to commend the work of our officers, who acted quickly to preserve the scene and collect vital evidence to make these arrests and secure these charges. I also commend the work of the paramedics on the night, who, as always, worked under immense pressure to help the victim.”