Five people in total admit guilt in connection with fatal stabbing of Joao Ricardo Gomes near a bus stop in May 2017

*Joao Ricardo Gomes was stabbed to death in Hertford Road in May 2017*

A teenager who admitted causing the death of a man attacked in Enfield Wash four years ago has been jailed along with three others who were involved with the incident.

Rayshawn Collins, aged 18, of Durants Road in Ponders End, was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment at the Old Bailey last week. He had previously pleaded guilty in July to manslaughter, conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm and possession of a blade.

He was sentenced along with four other men who pleaded guilty to violent disorder following an attack in Hertford Road in May 2017 that resulted in the death of Joao Ricardo Gomes.

The court heard how the victim was part of a group who had left a music event in Hertford Road when they were attacked outside the Dharma Centre at approximately 10.30pm on 13th May 2017.

Joao Ricardo Gomes' attackers — *Joao Ricardo Gomes’ attackers (from left); Rayshawn Collins, Thierry Edusei, Mark Carroll, Ives Kabengele, and Dean Townsend*

After the event was closed down a large group of people began to congregate outside the venue. Joao was at the event with ten friends. Seven members of the group made their way towards a nearby bus stop to make their way home. While they waited, Joao and two others went back to the venue to request a refund on their entry fee.

The group at the bus stop became surrounded by a large gang wearing masks and dark clothing who tried to take their bags and go through their pockets. As members of the group tried to resist and move away the attackers showed that some of them were carrying large knives.

Joao and his two friends were alerted to what was happening and they rushed over to bravely help their friends. As they did, violence escalated and fist fights began as the group tried to defend themselves.

As the violence intensified some of the group managed to run away. Joao remained trying to protect himself from attackers. One of the victims ran off but was kicked, punched and stabbed with a knife. His injuries were not life threatening.

The other victim, who was unconnected the group, got in the way of an attack intended for Joao and received a knife injury to his arm. Joao was then stabbed in the chest. Sadly, despite the efforts of emergency responders, he died at the scene.

Officers identified the offenders through detailed analysis of CCTV footage, photographs, witness accounts and phone evidence.

Thierry Edusei, 19, of Beachcroft Court in Tottenham, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Mark Carroll, 18, of Church Street in Edmonton, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Dean Townsend, 21, of Osborne Road in Brimsdown, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Ives Kabengele, 18, of Holmwood Road in Freezywater, was sentenced to a 12-month detention training order.

Detective Sergeant Paul Pringle, from the Metropolitan Police’s specialist crime command, said: “This violent and horrendous attack has led to a young life being needlessly lost and two others being seriously harmed due to knife crime on our streets.

“We hope this result at least brings some comfort to Joao’s family knowing that those responsible for this death have been held to account. They have shown great dignity and courage throughout the long investigation process. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

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