Four Men Imprisoned for Violent Street Altercation in Leicester City Centre

Four individuals have received prison sentences for their involvement in a street brawl in Leicester city centre, during which knives, a baseball bat, and a crutch were employed as weapons. The incident, which occurred around 03:00 GMT on November 4, 2021, involved Destiny Ojo, Habib Lawal, Ridwanulahi Raheem, and Joshua Davies-Ero, all of whom were students at De Montfort University at the time. According to police accounts, the confrontation, which resulted in an 18-year-old man being stabbed, began following a verbal dispute with a separate group on New Park Street, situated near Braunstone Gate. All four men, aged 21, were handed their sentences at Leicester Crown Court on Thursday. This followed a six-week trial where they were convicted of multiple charges, notably violent disorder. Leicestershire Police stated that surveillance camera footage depicted the four individuals, all originally from London, equipping themselves with various weapons. Davies-Ero was observed with a crutch, and Ojo with a baseball bat. Lawal was seen holding what was identified as a large knife, and Raheem was also later captured on camera carrying a large knife, as reported by the police force. During the disturbance, an 18-year-old male, who was part of the opposing group and participated in the altercation, was knocked to the ground and sustained four stab wounds. Police confirmed he was transported to a hospital for medical attention and subsequently released. Ojo, residing at Warland Road, Plumstead, received a seven-year prison term for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm. Lawal, from Western Road, Leicester, was incarcerated for five years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm, and intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm. Raheem, whose address is George Mathers Road, Lambeth, was given a three-year custodial sentence for violent disorder and for possessing a bladed article. Davies-Ero, of Springfield Road, Bexley, was sentenced to two years in jail following his conviction for violent disorder. A fifth individual, Justin Asamoah, 22, of Rawnsley Avenue, Merton, had previously admitted guilt to the charge of possessing a bladed article and is scheduled for sentencing on Friday. Detective Constable Sean Downey commented: “This incident highlights the serious danger of violent disorder. It is extremely fortunate that further injury was not caused to the people involved or to other members of the public who witnessed the incident. This could have been a very different investigation. We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities and will take action against those who are responsible for it.”