Knife crime: London man jailed over stabbing now anti-gang campaigner
"There is a war going on in the United Kingdom. If we don't do anything, things are going to get bad."Michael, who has just been released from prison after serving a sentence for stabbing a man, is speaking to me at location I cannot reveal as he is worried about reprisals.In April 2022, the then gang member attacked a rival on a busy shopping street in Maidstone. "I stabbed him three times. Luckily, he didn't die," he explains.The 24-year-old from south London went on to plead guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and was jailed for two years and eight months.
Reflecting on his attack, he explains to me why he did it."He beefs my crew, so I have to stab him so people can respect me," Michael says.When he was arrested three days later, he realised that "respect" meant nothing - he was alone in a cell, while the world outside moved on without him."Be ready to sit in a prison cell for hours and hours and hours, while people forget about you," he says.Michael was a member of a south London gang for most of his teenage years. There were a number of factors that led him towards that life, he says. When his father went to prison, he says his attendance at school dropped.As his mother worked long hours, she was unaware he was not going to school.
'I see 10 people trying to kill me'
He also describes how his family was struggling financially. "There's no food in the fridge, no electricity for one week. You are 15, thinking you have to provide for your family," he says.He explains how he got in with a group of youngsters who thought gang life was "cool" and offered respect in a world that gave them very little.In order to join the gang, he had to have something to offer, whether it be money or clout in the area.Michael says he offered the gang "recklessness" and would buy knives for the group, which included anything from machetes to zombie knives.He says he would conceal them in his tracksuit bottoms as he walked around the streets. He would also keep a folding knife in his pocket."I could walk past you now, and you would have no idea that I was carrying one."
As a teenager he also got into drill music under the name WoolyO. But his videos put a target on his back, he says, and led to him being targeted in a "honeytrap", which is a tactic frequently used by gangs.It involves an individual or individuals who assume a false identity to cultivate a relationship with the target online.In this instance, Michael says a woman lured him to a hotel where members of a rival gang were hiding."I look across. I just see 10 people emerging, running after me, trying to kill me."
'Dirty work'
Since Michael's release from prison, two teenagers have been killed in attacks in London.Kelyan Bokassa, 14, was stabbed on a London bus in Woolwich in January, while 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell was shot in Stockwell on 4 March. Michael wants to help prevent such deaths. He hopes to encourage young people to reject gang life, which he believes "makes no sense".He says he thinks very few youngsters actually know why they are attacking each other.The south Londoner is calling on older gang members to stop using teenagers to do their "dirty work".He also wants the government to start investing more in families who are struggling in the UK, rather than in conflicts overseas.
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Edinburgh Live
10 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
F1 icon Michael Schumacher's three visitors as truth about his condition emerges
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For over a decade, only a select group of Michael Schumacher's closest allies have been privy to the full extent of his medical condition. Despite rampant speculation, incessant media buzz, and even shocking extortion attempts, concrete information remains scarce. The public's enduring interest is largely driven by the mystery surrounding the Formula 1 legend's current state. Corinna Schumacher, his wife, has spearheaded efforts to fiercely protect the privacy of the now 56 year old since his tragic skiing accident in December 2013. Schumacher suffered serious brain injuries after striking his head on a rock while skiing with his then 14 year old son, Mick. He was put into a medically induced coma for over eight months and hasn't made a single public appearance since the incident. Corinna has since managed his care primarily at their Lake Geneva home. Only a handful of healthcare professionals and trusted individuals have been allowed to visit him. It's now suggested that the family also spends part of their time at a specially adapted estate in Mallorca, reports the Mirror. Corinna has largely refrained from discussing his health, speaking out only sporadically. She has not disclosed any significant medical updates and continues to request privacy. In the 2021 Netflix documentary, she stated: "We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael." Eddie Jordan, a close family friend who passed away in March, reportedly said in 2023: "This was the most horrific situation. Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that – she's like a prisoner, because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn't need reminding of it every minute." False hope and misinformation have often clouded the issue of Schumacher's health. There have been several overly optimistic reports recently, including some German media claims from last year that Schumacher possibly attended his daughter Gina-Maria's wedding to Iain Bethke, where guests were told to hand over their mobile phones to prevent photos of Michael from being taken. These reports were subsequently debunked. Additional hopes were stoked when Schumacher's autograph appeared on a helmet for racing great Jackie Stewart during a charity auction. His former team mate Johnny Herbert is quoted by Wales Online as suggesting this might hint at positive developments, fuelling speculation that Schumacher might someday return to the F1 paddock. New details have emerged about the condition of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, with confirmation that his wife Corinna was involved in signing a helmet. Sources close to the Schumacher family indicate that he remains largely confined to bed and speechless. Former Ferrari chief Flavio Briatore recently remarked in reflection: "If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though." Elisabetta Gregoraci, Schumacher's ex-wife, has made poignant comments in the past, stating: "Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are." Insiders believe these visitors include key Ferrari figures Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, as well as former racer Gerhard Berger. Jean Todt, a close friend of Schumacher's, regularly spends time with the family watching races but has acknowledged: "There's no longer the same communication as before. The family has decided not to answer the question [regarding Schumacher's condition], a choice that I respect. "I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1." Schumacher's condition was described as 'partly helpless' by German journalist Felix Gorner in March. He shared a sobering account, saying: "He is a person dependent on caregivers, who can no longer express himself through language. We're just clinging to hope, to a straw. But he's simply not well, so we won't see him again." Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of Schumacher's accident, it was reported that he is under 24-hour medical care with a team of approximately 15 staff. The family faced a blackmail attempt by a criminal group demanding £12 million for private photos and medical information. In Wuppertal, Germany, three individuals were charged over the extortion plot, including Markus Fritsche and Yilmaz Tozturkan, who issued the threats. Fritsche was handed a suspended two-year sentence, while IT worker Daniel Lins received a six-month suspended term. The Schumacher family has challenged the verdict, deeming the punishments too mild. Prosecutors disclosed that the purloined data depicted Schumacher as "partly helpless, in need of care and visibly marked" by his ordeal. Despite recent optimistic reports, the likelihood of Schumacher making a public appearance remains slim.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Michael Schumacher's three visitors as truth about F1 icon's condition emerges
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since his skiing accident in 2013 and few people know the true extent of his condition - but some details have emerged from his inner circle For over a decade now, only a tight circle of Michael Schumacher's closest confidants have been aware of the full details of his medical condition. Despite a flurry of speculation, persistent media chatter, and even shocking attempts at extortion, solid information remains extremely limited. While much of the curiosity is rooted in widespread admiration for the Formula 1 legend, the public's persistent interest largely stems from how little is truly known about his current situation. Corinna Schumacher, his wife, has led efforts to strictly guard the now 56-year-old's privacy ever since his devastating ski accident in December 2013. Schumacher sustained severe brain trauma after hitting his head on a rock while skiing with his then 14-year-old son, Mick. He was placed in a medically induced coma for more than eight months and has not made a single public appearance since the accident. Since then, Corinna has overseen his care primarily at their Lake Geneva residence. Only selected healthcare workers and a few trusted individuals have been permitted to see him. Reports now suggest the family also lives part-time at a specially adapted estate in Mallorca. Corinna has remained largely silent regarding his health, speaking only occasionally in public. She has not revealed any significant medical updates and has continually asked for privacy. In the 2021 Netflix documentary, she said: "We're trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael liked it and still does. And we are getting on with our lives. It's very important to me that he can continue to enjoy his private life as much as possible. Michael always protected us, and now we are protecting Michael." Eddie Jordan, a close family friend who passed away in March, commented in 2023: "This was the most horrific situation. Corinna has not been able to go to a party, to lunch or this or that – she's like a prisoner, because everyone would want to talk to her about Michael when she doesn't need reminding of it every minute." False hope and misinformation Various optimistic stories have emerged in recent times, suggesting improvements in Schumacher's condition. Last year, German outlets reported that Schumacher might have attended his daughter Gina-Maria's wedding to Iain Bethke, where guests were allegedly asked to surrender their phones to ensure no images of Michael leaked. However, these reports were later dismissed. Further hope gained traction when Schumacher's signature appeared on a helmet for racing legend Jackie Stewart as part of a charity auction. Former team-mate Johnny Herbert speculated this indicated positive progress and promise that we could one day see Schumacher in the F1 paddock again, reports Wales Online. Nonetheless, it was later confirmed Corinna assisted in signing the helmet. More reliable sources close to the family maintain that Schumacher is still mostly bedridden and unable to speak. Former Ferrari boss Flavio Briatore this week shared: "If I close my eyes, I see him smiling after a victory. I prefer to remember him like that rather than him just lying on a bed. Corinna and I talk often, though." Speaking to the Telegraph, Elisabetta Gregoraci, his ex-wife, has now said: "Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes. Only three people can visit him and I know who they are." These individuals are believed to be Ferrari's Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, and ex-driver Gerhard Berger. Todt, one of Schumacher's closest allies, visits frequently and watches races with the family. He has stated: "There's no longer the same communication as before. The family has decided not to answer the question [regarding Schumacher's condition], a choice that I respect. "I see him regularly and with affection, him and his family. Our bond goes beyond the past work. It is part of my life, which today is very far from Formula 1." Schumacher 'partly helpless' In March, German journalist Felix Gorner provided a more candid picture of Schumacher's situation, saying: "He is a person dependent on caregivers, who can no longer express himself through language. We're just clinging to hope, to a straw. But he's simply not well, so we won't see him again." It was earlier reported ahead of the 10-year mark since the accident that Schumacher receives 24-hour medical supervision from a team of around 15 staff. Amid the tight veil of secrecy, the family was targeted by a criminal group attempting to extort £12million in exchange for private images and medical data. Three men were charged in Wuppertal, Germany, for the plot, including Markus Fritsche and Yilmaz Tozturkan, who made the threats. Fritsche received a suspended two-year sentence, and IT worker Daniel Lins avoided jail with a six-month suspended term. The family has appealed the decision, finding the penalties too lenient. Prosecutors revealed that the stolen material showed Schumacher "partly helpless, in need of care and visibly marked" by his injuries. At present, the prospect of a public return remains highly unlikely, despite the hope given to fans by recent reports.
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
The teenage Orkney killer who got away with murder for 14 years
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It was a beautiful summer evening in Orkney, when a loud gunshot rang out and the peaceful corner of the world changed forever. Families were dining in the only Indian Restaurant in the main town of Kirkwall, when a masked man calmly walked in on June 2 1994 and shot 26-year-old waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood at point-blank range, before vanishing into the night. It was the first murder to happen in 25 years on the island located just off the northern coast of Scotland, which has a population of around 22,000. Detectives arrived overnight, the area was sealed off, and the big question of who could have killed Shamsuddin was at the forefront of the locals' minds. He had no known enemies and had only arrived in Orkney six weeks before, with plans to soon return to Bangladesh to marry his fiancée. An investigation commenced, and 2,736 statements were taken. A pair of witnesses claimed they saw teenager Michael Ross wearing the same balaclava and dark clothing as the murderer in woodland a fortnight earlier. The 15-year-old was called in for questioning, accompanied by his police officer father, Edmund Ross. Michael proclaimed his innocence and provided an alibi – he'd seen friends on the evening of the murder, however, they later denied being in his company. In the Amazon Prime Video documentary The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles , his mother, Moira, recalls asking Michael if he had killed Shamsuddin. 'I remember him coming home with the detective, and he went up to his room and sat there,' she says tearfully. 'I did go up and ask him 'Did you shoot that man?' And he said: 'No'. I just can't get over the look on his face when I asked him that.' Edmund adds, 'My head was spinning at the time. I didn't believe it. I knew my son, and he never showed any sort of tendency to go out and shoot anyone.' Evidence continued to build when Michael admitted dropping his balaclava into the sea with a heavy stone attached, and a bedroom search found school books marked with swastikas, 'Death to the English' scribbles and SS symbols. Meanwhile, Edmund owned the same type of bullets that were used in the murder, but didn't reveal this information until two months after the inquiry had begun. When lead investigator Angus Chisholm asked where they'd come from, he initially claimed he couldn't remember, before later revealing they came from a friend and former Marine, Jim Spence. The findings did not lead to a conviction; however, in 1997, Edmund was imprisoned for four years on charges of lying to the police and tampering with a witness, after it was alleged that he asked Jim to lie. Despite the determination of some detectives, the troubling case began to slip into obscurity. That was until 12 years after the murder in 2006, when a mysterious letter was delivered to the local police station. A new witness, later identified as William Grant, wrote that he had seen the killer in public toilets on the night of the murder, brandishing a gun. He identified him as Michael. Advocate depute Brian McConnachie QC, who led the prosecution case, tells Metro: 'When the incident happened, long before I was ever involved, it was taken to the Crown Office, and a decision was made that there was insufficient evidence against Michael. However, the letter was enough to reopen, and that's when I looked over the case; I didn't necessarily agree with the original decision that evidence wasn't strong enough to proceed with the case.' The revelation led to the shock arrest of Michael, who in the intervening years had married, become a father of two and now worked as a sergeant of a sniper platoon in Scotland's Black Watch regiment. As so much time had passed, it was a 'challenging' case for Brian to take on, he says. 'In cold cases, people who gave statements have forgotten what they said, what they saw, and they may have heard somebody else say something, and that becomes part of their memory.' He adds: 'There wasn't the same amount of CCTV in 1994 as there is now, and people didn't carry mobile telephones. Nowadays, the police solve a lot of crimes because the accused can be pinpointed to be in a particular location through signal.' However, the authorities had enough to bring it the case trial in 2008, where the 'compelling, unanswerable' circumstantial evidence was presented. 'It could be described as putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It was trying to find all the different pieces to make the picture. The bullets, his access, and interest in firearms were all important, then we added Mr Grant's identification into it,' says Brian. Although a motive isn't needed to prove someone's guilt, it was suggested that Michael's racist views had led him to shoot one of Orkney's only Asian residents. A fellow cadet claimed Michael said: 'Blacks should be shot'. 'It was such a pointless and senseless killing,' says Brian. 'There wasn't a feud between them, but there was certainly an amount of evidence which suggested that at the relevant time, he had racist tendencies. 'Whether that was something that was genuinely felt or it was just the rantings of a teenager, it's hard to say. I've said in the past that I've never been totally convinced about the racism angle.' During the trial, Michael's lawyer, Donald Findlay, argued it was unthinkable that a teenager would have carried out the killing, claiming it was more likely to be a 'professional hit'. But at the end of a six-week trial, it took jurors just four hours to reach a guilty verdict of murder. At the trial, Shamsuddin's brother, barrister Abul Shafiuddin, said: 'He was our baby brother and at least we know the person who killed him will be punished.' Upon hearing his fate, Michael attempted to escape by jumping out of the dock at Glasgow High Court, assaulting a guard and making it into an outside corridor, before being wrestled to the ground. Days before, he had parked a hired car two miles from the court with a machine gun, hand grenades and a sleeping bag amongst the items found in the boot. He explained in an open letter to supporters that he would have used the items to live off the land. It hasn't been his only attempt to escape punishment either, as he has since tried to leave prison three times. Brian says: 'It's the first time I've seen anything like that from somebody who'd just been convicted of murder. 'If someone thinks they're innocent and is convicted, they might well want to escape, but the fact that he was running to a motor vehicle filled with the items, is a problem. The jury decided his guilt without all of that evidence, but I don't think that helps his position now.' Even so, the case of Shamsuddin's murder is far from over, with a shadow of doubt still dividing opinion in Orkney to this day. Michael's family believe there has been a grave miscarriage of justice, while a petition has been set up by supporters to clear his name, which currently has 2650 signatures. Michael, now 46, remains incarcerated, and his earliest release date is 2035. Orkney local Ethan Flett wasn't even born when the crime took place, but the 25-year-old has spent many hours analysing the case through his role as a reporter for the island newspaper The Orcadian. The journalism took him to Perth prison, where he went through airport-like security, before sitting down at a table that had been screwed into the floor. When Michael entered the visitors' room, Ethan didn't instantly recognise him. 'He's been taking the gym seriously,' the young reporter thought to himself. As they began chatting, Ethan quickly made it clear that he wasn't interested in campaigning for his innocence or trying to find anybody else guilty. Even so, Michael was happy to give his first ever interview. 'The meeting will stick in my mind for a while. He seemed very laid-back and was an easy guy to deal with. It is one of the paradoxes, considering what he's been convicted of, but he seemed at least like a fairly normal person. It's strange,' recalls Ethan to Metro. They spent the next six months writing back and forth to each other, with Michael responding to each of Ethan's questions in great detail. 'What I found most interesting was his justifications for his escape attempts. He says that he did it to garner a bit of publicity for his claims of innocence, and says that he would have surrendered to the authorities if he were successful,' Ethan explains. 'He admitted to saying racist things as a teenager, but claimed that it was immaturity that he regretted.' Ethan adds that the police previously publicly stated that they had ruled out racism as the motive, which 'would make it a motiveless crime, so it's hard to get your head around.' In letters to Ethan, Michael says that the reason the friends mentioned in his alibi don't remember talking to him is that the police didn't question them until months had passed. Ethan's research has also raised some possible inconsistencies, such as when Michael became a suspect. He was questioned about his movements on the night of the murder on December 2 1994. Michael's legal team have said that the audio shouldn't have been allowed in court, as he hadn't been offered a lawyer. The appeal was rejected as it was determined he wasn't a suspect at this point. 'I found court records from the trial of Eddy, which stated that Michael had become the prime and only suspect as of September,' says Ethan. 'There are unsolved leads in the case, such as two days before the murder, there was a heated argument at the door of the restaurant between Shamsuddin and people trying to get in. According to one of the witnesses inside the restaurant, the man threatened to shoot Shamsuddin a number of times. 'A month into the investigation, one of the detectives was quoted as saying that the incident had been cleared up. However, a statement was taken from the detective who led the cold case review when Michael's conviction was examined by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2014, and he said it wasn't solved.' As a journalist, Ethan remains impartial. More Trending 'I don't know whether or not he committed the murder. My interest has always been in the handling of the investigation by the police. There's still so much interest in this case from Orkney people, so the story is ongoing,' he explains. Meanwhile, Brian doesn't think there's enough to appeal the case's verdict: 'I think new evidence becoming available is the only way that it would get back into the court. 'I haven't seen or heard anything yet to make me think that the jury got it wrong.' The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles will be available on Prime Video in the UK & Ireland on June 8 Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Rich people 'will have robot butlers by 2030′ – but there's a major flaw MORE: BBC's 'brilliant' true crime drama made me question my own morals MORE: 'Exquisite' Amazon Prime show cancelled after one series despite 85% Rotten Tomatoes score
