Teenager Jailed for Brutal Drugs Stabbing in Nottingham

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A teenager has been sentenced to eight years in a young offender’s institution after carrying out a knife attack that left his victim in a coma.

William Osaseri, aged 19, chased and stabbed a 20-year-old university student in Radford, Nottingham, shortly before 6pm on June 27, 2024. Nottingham Crown Court heard how Osaseri pursued the victim and his friend along St Peter’s Street before stabbing him while he lay on the ground.

The single stab wound severed the victim’s brachial artery, causing massive blood loss. Emergency services rushed to the scene and performed life-saving treatment. However, the victim suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain and spent six weeks in a coma. He is now unlikely to complete his financial accountancy studies at university.

Police Investigation

Following the attack, Osaseri fled the scene, first taking an Uber to Nottingham Station and then a train to Birmingham. He later returned to Nottingham, where CCTV captured him playing table tennis at a leisure facility.

Detectives quickly identified Osaseri from CCTV footage and tracked him to his home in Grove Park, south-east London. He was arrested on July 7, and a search of the property uncovered the blue-handled knife used in the attack, as well as deal bags of cannabis and weighing scales.

A note found on Osaseri’s phone contained drill rap lyrics boasting about the attack, including lines such as “is it blood that I drew?” and “my knife turned blue to red.”

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Osaseri pleaded guilty to charges of wounding with intent, theft, possession of a knife in a public place, and possession of a Class B drug.

Recorder Simon King, sentencing Osaseri on November 21, said: “It is a matter of pure luck and not judgment that this is not a murder case. You went out involved in the drug trade, armed with a knife, and that is where everything went wrong.

“I have seen the CCTV, and whatever caused it, it is clear you were running after them and attacked one of them with a knife when he was on the ground. That caused the life-changing injuries I have heard about, and he will have to live with those injuries for the rest of his life.”

The court heard that Osaseri had been a promising badminton player before becoming involved in drug dealing in Nottingham and London. His links to street gangs and the drug trade are believed to have motivated the attack.

Impact on the Victim

The victim’s mother described in an impact statement how the attack had devastated their family. She has since had to leave her job to care for her son full-time, stating that his future has been irrevocably altered by his injuries.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Malik, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal attack with devastating consequences. The victim was incredibly lucky to survive, and the seriousness of his condition saw the case treated as attempted murder from the outset.

“This case highlights the dangers of knife crime and the terrible impact it has on victims, families, and communities. We hope this sentence sends a clear message to those who think they can carry and use knives without consequence.”

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

This case underscores the serious legal consequences of carrying and using knives in the UK, as governed by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 and Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Under these laws, carrying a knife in public without a valid reason is a criminal offense. Possession of a blade longer than 3 inches is particularly restricted, with severe penalties—including imprisonment and unlimited fines—for violators. When a knife is used to commit a violent crime, such as this stabbing in Nottingham, the courts consider it an aggravating factor, leading to significantly harsher sentences.

For offenses like wounding with intent, as in William Osaseri’s case, sentencing reflects the severity of the injuries caused and the defendant’s intent. The maximum penalty for such crimes is life imprisonment. However, courts assess factors like premeditation, the defendant’s age, and mitigating circumstances before determining an appropriate sentence.

Unlike life sentences for murder, sentences in cases of wounding with intent are often fixed-term, with the offender serving half of their term in custody before being eligible for release on licence. Breach of licence conditions after release can result in a return to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence.

This case highlights not only the devastating personal impact of knife crime but also the firm stance taken by the UK’s legal system. Judges and law enforcement aim to deter offenders through stringent penalties, emphasising that carrying or using knives has life-altering consequences for all involved.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com