Man convicted of random fatal attack in Brixton

A man who slashed strangers at random in south London, killing one woman, is facing life in prison

Mohamed Nur attacked Johanita Kossiwa Dogbey in broad daylight last May as the 31 year old had been walking alone in Stockwell Park Walk after going into central London to do some shopping.

She was attacked from behind by a man wearing all dark clothing, and died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination identified the cause of death as sharp force trauma to the neck.

Nur admitted her murder and having a blade made from scissors on that day as well as having another weapon made from broken glass the following day when he was arrested.

He had denied three other slash attacks two days before Ms Dogbey's death in similar circumstances.

Nur's Old Bailey trial had centred on the three attacks which happened in quick succession in Brixton at around 11.30pm last April 29.

The first victim, Rebecca Wilkes, was approached from behind, grabbed and slashed on her right cheek, causing a 9cm cut.

The second victim, Tomasz Kmiecik, suffered a 15cm facial cut and the third victim, Katie Matthews, sustained a 6cm wound to her face.

Prosecutor Julian Evans KC told jurors: "In each case, the victim did nothing to confront or provoke the man who attacked them. Each victim was attacked without warning and for no apparent reason.

"In short, all three attacks were completely random. There is nothing to suggest that the man who carried out the attacks knew anything about any of three victims."

Nur, who declined to attend his Old Bailey trial, was found guilty of three charges of unlawful wounding on Monday after the jury deliberated for one hours and 47 minutes.

Following the verdicts, two jurors were said to be "shocked" and "distressed" after being told the woman who was attacked last May 1 had died.

A reporting ban on Nur's guilty plea to the murder charge was lifted and Judge Angela Rafferty KC excused the panel from jury service for 10 years in light of the revelation.

The court was told Nur had previous convictions for possession of drugs, driving matters and possession of sharpened implements.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Webb, the senior investigating officer who led the investigation into Nur, said:

“Mohammed Nur is guilty of four violent offences, carried out at random in terrifying circumstances. I realise nothing can alleviate the pain and suffering that Johanita’s family continue to endure, but I hope they – and the three other people Nur attacked and injured – can take some comfort from the fact he has been convicted and will spend a lengthy period of time in prison.

“On 29 April 2023, armed with a makeshift weapon, Nur slashed the faces of two women and a man in separate incidents within five minutes in Brixton.

“Two days later, on 1 May, he used a similar home-made weapon to attack and kill Johanita Dogbey in the most shocking circumstances as she walked in Brixton.

“The random nature of this attack, along with the brutality displayed by Nur, was utterly deplorable and left a community understandably in fear.

“Following Johanita’s murder, and the three other attacks he carried out, extra officers were deployed to the local area to provide reassurance to the community and support our investigation.

“It was as a result of a stop and search carried out by one of these units in the early hours of 2 May in the same area of Brixton that the 29 April attacks were carried out, that Nur was arrested. He was found carrying a crude makeshift weapon, similar to the type used in the previous attacks.

“Given his previous actions, it can only be assumed he intended on carrying out further attacks but thanks to the intervention by these officers, he was stopped in his tracks.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander for Lambeth, said:

“Mohammed Nur’s heinous actions which culminated in Johanita Dogbey’s murder left the local community across Lambeth understandably shocked and in fear. Although Nur was arrested just hours after the fatal attack, the impact of his random violence continues to resonate to this day.

“While Nur has been convicted for his crimes, I know it will do little to ease the pain that Johanita’s family and friends continue to suffer – my thoughts remain with them, and the three other victims Nur attacked on 29 April,

“In the days and weeks after Johanita’s murder, my local officers were out talking to residents, business and community groups, hearing their concerns and working on ways we can improve how we serve the people of Lambeth and Southwark. This work will continue, and will only be at its most effective with the support of the people – I would urge anyone who has concerns to get in touch so we can help.”

DCI Webb continued: “Despite the weight of evidence against him, and even though Nur had admitted to murdering Johanita in similar circumstances, he chose to plead not guilty to the three attacks on 29 April.

“This meant the three victims were forced to relive the horror of their attacks in court. The courage they have shown during this entire process, ensuring Nur was made to face up to the violent acts he carried out is inspiring and I want to thank them for supporting this investigation to its conclusion.”

Nur, who is in custody, will be sentenced on May 23 and Judge Rafferty said it is likely she will sentence him anyway if he does not attend.

She said he had been sent multiple letters and added: "He has committed a number of contempt of court offences on the face of it which will have to be dealt with on that day as well."

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