Knifeman who ended career of promising footballer is jailed for 15 years

A knife-wielding thug who ended the career of a promising footballer with a single stab wound has been jailed for 15 years.

Detectives investigating the attack last year are appealing for information and witnesses, as they believe more people were involved.

Harry McCloud, 21, of Tooley Street, Southwark, was sentenced on April 17 at Inner London Crown Court for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

He pleaded guilty at the same court on January 22.

The 16-year-old victim was stabbed in the buttock with a large knife causing such severe injuries that his plans for a future professional footballing career are now in doubt.

Police were called shortly after 10am on October 6 last year to reports of a male stabbed in Druid Street, Southwark, yards from McCloud’s home.

Officers and paramedics found the 16-year-old victim suffering from a large stab wound. He was taken to King’s College Hospital in a life-threatening condition, where he remained in a coma for a week.

He received a deep wound to his buttock, which penetrated through into his abdomen, causing multiple internal injuries and serious ongoing nerve damage, which he is still receiving treatment for.

The attack took place after a group the victim was part of came across McCloud and three other males in Druid Street and had some sort of altercation.

McCloud and others then chased the victim’s group, targeting the victim who they ambushed before stabbing him and fleeing the scene. Members of the public found the victim and called emergency services.

Detective Sergeant Sascha Eady, from Walworth CID, said: “This appears to have been an unprovoked and savage attack on a teenage boy whose dream of becoming a professional footballer has now been dashed.

“I am pleased that McCloud has been brought to justice for his involvement and received a significant sentence, but we continue to appeal for witnesses and information.

“We know there were others involved in the stabbing who need to be held accountable and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that they are.

“We believe there are people who may have seen something or have information that could assist us with the investigation. I would urge them to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting reference number 7473/6Oct19 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

A second male, aged 16 years, arrested on October 14 last year on suspicion of GBH with intent, has been released under investigation.