Rail Worker Fights Knife Attacker with Frying Pan on LNER Train
Jurors shown CCTV of desperate defence during violent rampage that spanned multiple locations and left passengers in terror.
Sarah Connor
Jurors saw CCTV footage of a rail worker using a frying pan to fight a knife-wielding man during a train attack.
Williams admitted affray at a Peterborough barber shop and stealing knives from an Asda in Stevenage. He denies one count of attempted murder at Pontoon Dock DLR station and three counts of attempted murder in Peterborough on October 31.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC detailed Williams' alleged attempt to kill four other people in Peterborough and east London. The Halloween rampage began with a stabbing of a 14-year-old boy at a footbridge in Peterborough on October 31.
Four other people were attacked in different locations prior to the train incident. Christopher Paxton KC stated Williams stabbed 10 people during a "rampage" on the train.
The prosecution claims Williams attempted to murder 10 train passengers and staff. Stephen Crean attempted to wrestle the knife from Williams.
Christopher Paxton KC indicated that They tried to de-escalate his rampage, defending themselves and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect strangers.
Christopher Paxton KC described how some stood tall to protect others. They tried to de-escalate his rampage, defending themselves and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect strangers.
A train passenger's barking dog caused the knifeman to run away, Christopher Paxton KC stated. He also stated Williams had previously been "bitten by a dog" in an "unrelated incident."
Raza Aslam described the attacker as having the 'greatest delight on his face.' CCTV footage showed passengers barricading themselves using bicycles.
The greatest delight on his face.
Christopher Paxton KC recounted the sheer terror as train passengers ran for their lives. They hid away in locked toilets, store cabinets, or under seats until many fleeing Williams literally ran out of train; they could go no further; they were trapped on the moving train.