crime reporter(wp/es):
A teenager who stabbed two men with a hunting knife during last month's violence at Hyde Park is facing jail after admitting a string of offences.
Joshua Clements, 18, of Foxglove Street, Acton, appeared at the Old Bailey today, after he was snared when a police officer recognised his face.
On the evening of July 19, Clements attacked two 19-year-old men with a hunting knife in two separate incidents, causing both victims serious injuries.
Clements attacked one of his victims inside Hyde Park, stabbing him in the abdomen, then knifed his the second victim in the chest and both arms in an assault that happened close to the park’s perimeter, beside Cumberland Gate.
Both men sustained serious injuries but are recovering well, police say.
Following the attacks, an investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command.
Clements had attempted to disguise his identity by wearing a face mask covered in a camouflage pattern, but officers were able to trace his movements on CCTV.
Police circulated an image of Clements’ face without his mask on, and he was recognised by a police constable attached to a west London gangs unit.
Clements was arrested on 27 July and a weapon seized from his home was forensically linked to one of his crimes.
Today, the teenager admitted to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of carrying an offensive weapon, two counts of handling stolen goods and one count of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Thousands of people had gathered in Hyde Park to enjoy one of the hottest days of the year but unfortunately amongst them were individuals determined to commit serious crimes.
“Clements is a violent individual who targeted two innocent people, thinking he could evade justice.
"His victims sustained very serious injuries and I am pleased that the overwhelming evidence against him has persuaded him to plead guilty to these offences."
Sentencing has been adjourned to a later date.
A teenager who stabbed two men with a hunting knife during last month's violence at Hyde Park is facing jail after admitting a string of offences.
Joshua Clements, 18, of Foxglove Street, Acton, appeared at the Old Bailey today, after he was snared when a police officer recognised his face.
On the evening of July 19, Clements attacked two 19-year-old men with a hunting knife in two separate incidents, causing both victims serious injuries.
Clements attacked one of his victims inside Hyde Park, stabbing him in the abdomen, then knifed his the second victim in the chest and both arms in an assault that happened close to the park’s perimeter, beside Cumberland Gate.
Both men sustained serious injuries but are recovering well, police say.
Following the attacks, an investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command.
Clements had attempted to disguise his identity by wearing a face mask covered in a camouflage pattern, but officers were able to trace his movements on CCTV.
Police circulated an image of Clements’ face without his mask on, and he was recognised by a police constable attached to a west London gangs unit.
Clements was arrested on 27 July and a weapon seized from his home was forensically linked to one of his crimes.
Today, the teenager admitted to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of carrying an offensive weapon, two counts of handling stolen goods and one count of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Thousands of people had gathered in Hyde Park to enjoy one of the hottest days of the year but unfortunately amongst them were individuals determined to commit serious crimes.
“Clements is a violent individual who targeted two innocent people, thinking he could evade justice.
"His victims sustained very serious injuries and I am pleased that the overwhelming evidence against him has persuaded him to plead guilty to these offences."
Sentencing has been adjourned to a later date.
