Anthony Williams, 33, is on trial facing 14 counts of attempted murder for a series of violent attacks that culminated in a mass stabbing aboard an LNER train to London. The assaults began on October 31 of the previous year when three people were attacked in Peterborough, including a 14-year-old boy.
Williams then allegedly traveled to London and stabbed a man on the Docklands Light Railway before boarding a Doncaster to London LNER service on the evening of November 1. During this train journey, ten people were attacked. Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told Cambridge Crown Court that across the Halloween weekend, Williams "posed a dangerous threat, marauding through towns and cities, on streets and trains alike, armed with a knife."
Horrifying footage played in court showed dozens of passengers fleeing down carriages as Williams approached them, "slashing and stabbing with his knife." In one clip, a train crew member, Samir Zitouni, attempted to fend off Williams with a frying pan but was ultimately stabbed multiple times. Another passenger, Stephen Crean, grappled with Williams down the carriage, an act that left him with wounds to his hand, head, and lower back. One victim, David Presland, 73, was attacked after falling to the floor, and Scott Green attempted to grab the knife blade out of fear for his life. Kevin Deely sustained stab wounds to his scalp and a four-inch deep cut to his stomach.
During the train rampage, passengers hid in toilets, store cabinets, or under seats. Some showed "extraordinary bravery" by using items like frying pans and toasters to defend themselves and others. The court heard that Williams allegedly asked one passenger, "Do you want to die?"
The attack ended due to the "quick thinking of the train driver," who diverted the train to Huntingdon. Hundreds of passengers then sprinted down the platform before Williams was arrested. Williams has admitted to affray and possessing a knife in relation to an incident at a barbershop in Peterborough shortly after the initial attacks.
Prior to boarding the LNER train, Williams was seen at Peterborough railway station. A female passenger, Kierah Lee Oakman, became concerned by his erratic behavior, which included muttering words like "devil" and "power." She exited the train at St Neots and alerted British Transport Police. Officers at the next stop, Stevenage, saw someone matching Williams' description cross the tracks but did not pursue due to the risk from passing trains.
Williams later admitted to stealing a pack of kitchen knives from an Asda store in Stevenage. The court also heard about an earlier attack on 17-year-old Isaiah Idris on a DLR train, who said his attacker "sliced my face" and hands while repeatedly asking, "Are you beefing with the devil?" Idris underwent surgery for his injuries.
Williams appeared in court via videolink from Rampton Hospital. He denies 14 counts of attempted murder, though he has admitted to attacking people with a knife and intending to cause them serious harm. The trial, expected to last six weeks, is ongoing.