Learn about the attack, the nationwide manhunt, and the commitment of the Metropolitan Police to tackling hate crime. Find out how victims of hate crimes can come forward and report incidents with the support of the police and justice system.
Man Jailed for Violent Homophobic Attack in Islington
A man who carried out a violent homophobic attack in Islington has been sentenced to jail after being arrested by Metropolitan Police officers following a nationwide manhunt. Alex Ogden, aged 28, was convicted of grievous bodily harm and sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 23 April, after pleading guilty to the charge.
The Attack
The court heard that on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, Ogden attacked a man in an address in Islington. Using a knife, he violently assaulted the man, who was in his 50s, while subjecting him to homophobic abuse. The victim sustained several cuts to his face and a broken nose as a result of the attack. Ogden then fled the scene.
Nationwide Manhunt
Following the incident, the Central North Public Protection Team launched an investigation and a nationwide manhunt in collaboration with police forces across the country. Forensic evidence recovered from the scene identified Ogden as the suspect. Thanks to extensive publicity and police inquiries, detectives received a tip-off about Ogden’s location and he was arrested in Southwark on 2 November.
The investigation team worked tirelessly to interview Ogden and present the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, highlighting the risks involved and ensuring that he was remanded in custody until trial.
Prolific Offender
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Ogden had an extensive criminal history, with 39 previous convictions across the country, primarily in the north of England, particularly Yorkshire and on trains. As a result, Ogden was sentenced to a total of 32 months in prison. In addition to the sentence, a five-year restraining order was imposed to protect the victim, and Ogden will be placed on licence upon his release.
Commitment to Tackling Hate Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley from the Central North Public Protection Team expressed his pride in the officers who worked on the case and secured the conviction against Ogden. He emphasised that Ogden’s extensive offending history targeted multiple victims across the country and that this particular offense was treated as a homophobic hate crime due to the appalling comments made during the attack.
DCI Ridley urged members of the public who have also been subjected to hate crimes to come forward. This conviction highlights the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to tackling hate crime within the LGBTQ+ community and their determination to prosecute individuals who seek to cause harm.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Alex Ogden for his violent homophobic attack in Islington sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The Metropolitan Police’s dedication to protecting the community and prosecuting offenders is evident in their swift response and successful investigation. It is crucial that victims of hate crimes feel empowered to come forward and report incidents, knowing that they will be supported by the police and justice system.
