“Dangerous and unpredictable” maniac stabbed woman pushing buggy in Streatham Hill
A knife-wielding maniac who travelled all over London for hours looking for a random victim stabbed a mum pushing her buggy along a quiet residential street.
Mark Brazant, 43, admitted at the Old Bailey to carrying out the attack shortly before 5.30pm on December 30 last year in Downton Avenue, Streatham Hill.
The victim was taken to hospital. Her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing. The stabbing occurred as she was pushing her child in a pushchair. The child was not injured.
Brazant attacked the woman from behind, then he ran off down Downton Avenue away from the High Road, leaving her injured in the street.
Police from Central South CID immediately launched a thorough investigation.
During the trial the jury heard how CCTV enquiries enabled detectives to trace Brazant’s movements that day.
He had travelled all over London for hours on public transport in search of a victim.
Three days later, following media coverage, Brazant handed himself in to a police station.
Brazant was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a pointed/bladed article on January 2.
He pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted murder following a trial.
The resident of Windmill Road, Ealing had already pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an offensive weapon, and three counts of pointed/bladed articles at the beginning of the trial.
He will be sentenced on September 16.
Acting Detective Sergeant Mark Pascall, said: “I am pleased with today’s result as Brazant originally claimed he wasn’t in sound mind at the time, but his words and actions following the attack showed otherwise.
“It was clear Brazant had a clear intent that day to cause harm. He is dangerous and unpredictable.
“We have no idea why he chose the victim he did, but thankfully, and luckily, she wasn’t more seriously injured.
“I would like to thank the investigation team for extremely thorough enquiries that meant we were able to charge him so quickly and take him off the streets on London.
“I commend the victim for her bravery throughout the trial and courage to give evidence in front of the man who caused her serious harm.”
Pictured top: Brazant before the attack. Inset, a video shows him prior to the assault
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I think Londoners are sick and tired of these random stabbings and shootings . Possession of guns and non-domestic knives should result in long-term prison sentences not a smack on the wrist . Unless the attacker is diagnosably mentally ill , if they attack another person randomly they should face life-imprisonment and , when released , be electronically tagged for life .Mentally ill attackers would go to appropriate services for treatment . It has to be made loud and clear to knife and gun criminals that they will be removed from society if they stab or shoot others . Cities and towns exist for law-abiding people and definitely not for violent criminals .