Two Luton gang members jailed over 12 years each after stabbing victim

Stephen O’Dell, 29, and Samad Ali, 22, both of no fixed abode, were sentenced today (Friday) at Reading Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Ali and O’Dell both received sentences of 12 years and four months each.

At around 2am on October 31, 2019, police were called to Carlton Crescent, Luton, following a report that a man had been stabbed.

The victim attended hospital with significant wounds and has been left with life-changing injuries.

Multiple people were spotted at the scene in Carlton Crescent, and witnesses saw more than one group running from the area at the time of the incident.

When police arrived, they discovered a spent bullet casing, a bullet and a black balaclava which was covered in blood.

O’Dell was forensically linked to the balaclava left at the scene.

Later, when Ali was arrested, he had a necklace in his pocket that was stained with blood. Forensics were able to link the blood to the victim, as well identifying it belonged to him.

The judge at today’s hearing said: “It was a planned and targeted attack and bore the hallmarks of a gang attack.”

Detective Inspector Iain Macpherson, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts major crime unit, said: “This was a complex investigation, but we are glad Ali and O’Dell pleaded guilty and will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“Forensics helped us piece together what happened and identified those involved. Knife crime and use of other weapons is a serious offence, and the victim was fortunate to survive this horrific attack.”