Anthony Williams on Trial for Attempted Murder in Halloween Weekend Attacks
Accused denies 14 counts despite admitting knife attacks and intent to cause serious harm.
Callum Smith
Anthony Williams, 33, is on trial accused of 14 counts of attempted murder.
On October 31, 2023, Williams launched an attack in Peterborough, targeting three individuals, including a 14-year-old boy and Dawid Taborski. Two other men, Dawid Taborski and William Ogelby, were assaulted nearby but avoided injury.
Williams then traveled to London. A 17-year-old suffered a stab wound to the face while riding the Docklands Light Railway at Pontoon Dock.
He pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Pontoon Dock DLR station on November 1. He also admitted wounding with intent of the 14-year-old boy in Peterborough on October 31, alongside other offenses.
On the evening of November 1, ten people were attacked on a Doncaster to London LNER train. The train halted in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where jurors at Cambridge Crown Court viewed CCTV footage of passenger Stephen Crean attempting to disarm Williams.
Do you want to die?
Prosecution claims described defenseless people running in 'sheer terror' from a 'marauding' knifeman during these attacks. Williams approached passengers, 'slashing and stabbing with his knife,' and chillingly asked one, 'Do you want to die?'
Victims David Presland, Scott Green, Kevin Deely, and Samir Zitouni sustained stab wounds during the train assault. Scott Green was stabbed multiple times while attempting to seize the knife.
Some passengers displayed 'extraordinary bravery,' picking up 'frying pans and toasters' to fend him off, according to prosecution claims. Passengers actively defended themselves and others using household items.
Prosecution indicated that Williams posed a dangerous threat as he stalked his victims through towns and cities, on streets and trains alike.
The prosecution claims Williams 'posed a dangerous threat' as he stalked his victims 'through towns and cities, on streets and trains alike.' Williams has admitted attacking people with a knife and 'intended to cause them really serious harm' but denies 14 counts of attempted murder.
The trial is expected to last six weeks.