Man Accused of 14 Attempted Murders in UK Attacks

Anthony Williams, 33, is on trial, accused of 14 counts of attempted murder following a series of violent attacks that began on Halloween weekend and culminated in a mass stabbing on a train. Prosecutors allege Williams posed a dangerous threat, "marauding through towns and cities, on streets and trains alike, armed with a knife," seeking to end victims' lives with deadly intention.

The assaults started on October 31 of the previous year when three people were attacked in Peterborough, including a 14-year-old boy. Williams then traveled to London, where he allegedly stabbed a man on the Docklands Light Railway. The following evening, November 1, he boarded a Doncaster to London LNER service, where ten people were attacked.

Cambridge Crown Court heard that horrifying footage showed dozens of passengers fleeing down train carriages as Williams approached, "slashing and stabbing with his knife." Some passengers hid in toilets, store cabinets, or under seats, while others showed "extraordinary bravery" by using items like "frying pans and toasters" to defend themselves and others. One passenger grappled with Williams, who allegedly asked him, "Do you want to die?"

The prosecution stated that Williams admitted to attacking people with a knife and intending to cause them serious harm, but he denies the 14 counts of attempted murder. The jury will need to determine if he intended to kill the individuals he attacked.

Williams appeared in court via videolink from Rampton Hospital. An intermediary was present to assist him in understanding proceedings. The trial is expected to last six weeks.

The "rampage" began with the 14-year-old boy being stabbed at a footbridge in Peterborough on October 31. Two men, Dawid Taborski and William Ogelby, were attacked nearby but avoided injury. Later that day, a 17-year-old was stabbed in the face on the Docklands Light Railway in London.

On November 1, Williams boarded the LNER train at 7:26 p.m., carrying a "large kitchen knife and a bottle of fortified tonic wine." During the train journey, ten more people were allegedly attacked. Passengers described running for their lives, hiding, and some attempting to defend themselves and others. Stephen Crean reportedly grappled with Williams, sustaining wounds to his hand, head, and lower back. A train crew member, Samir Zitouni, attempted to stop Williams with a frying pan but was also stabbed multiple times.

The attack concluded when the train driver diverted the train to Huntingdon. Hundreds of passengers fled the train as it stopped, and Williams was subsequently arrested by armed police.