Man who randomly stabbed mother as she pushed child in pushchair in Streatham Hill is jailed for life

A man who randomly stabbed a woman as she pushed her child in a pushchair has been jailed for life – and will serve a minimum of 11 years.

Mark Brazant, 43, of Windmill Road, Ealing appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, August 6, where he pleaded guilty to attempted murder following a trial.

He 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 was sentenced on Wednesday to life with a minimum term of 11 years.

He will initially serve his sentence in a secure hospital. If and when it is deemed appropriate, he will be moved to serve the remainder of the term in prison.

Police were called just after 5.20pm on Monday, December 30 last year to a report of a woman stabbed in Downton Avenue, Streatham Hill.

The victim was taken to hospital. Her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

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.

Detectives from Central South CID immediately launched a thorough investigation.

During the trial the jury heard how in-depth 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 extensive 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 Thursday, January 2.

Judge Anglela Rafferty QC remarked on how courageous the victim was during both the attack, and her appearance at court during the trial.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mark Pascall said: “I echo the judge’s comments and commend the victim for her bravery throughout the trial, and courage to give evidence in front of the man who caused her serious harm

“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 of London.”