Chilling moment masked teen killer runs through store with machete after ... trends now
A judge warned today that the 'frequency and levels of violence' between gangs risked turning idyllic towns into no-go areas as he jailed two teenagers for a 'brazen' murder in broad daylight.
Alfie Hammett and Joshua Howell wore masks as they set upon Ray Quigley, 18, who was visiting Ipswich, Suffolk, with friends.
Hammett, who stabbed his victim repeatedly, was a member of the notorious Norwich-based 3rdside posse.
Meanwhile Howell, who kept Mr Quigley's friends at bay with a machete, was part of the affiliated IP3 crew from Ipswich, also known as the Nacton gang.
Their victim was associated with a rival Norfolk gang called Only The Money.
Hammett and Howell were convicted of the January 2023 murder two months ago, following a trial.
Alfie Hammett (pictured) who has been convicted of the murder of Raymond James Quigley
Joshua Howell (pictured) who has been convicted of the murder of Raymond James Quigley
Pictured: CCTV footage shows Hammett and Howell walking through town together
They returned to court today to be jailed for life, with Hammett told he will serve at least 24 years and his accomplice given a minimum of 20 years.
Handing down the sentences, Judge Martyn Levett said: 'This gang violence is blighting the historic peacefulness of towns, making them unsafe to visit.
'Time and time again, I've said in open court that the sentencing remarks of judges need to be reported so the public become more aware about the dangers of knife crime.
'Knife crime has no place in modern society and should not be glorified. These knife crimes bring fear to communities.'
Mr Quigley's mother spoke of her 'devastation' in a victim impact statement.
She said: 'This is something I now have to live with for the rest of my life. I keep seeing the savage injuries inflicted on my son and what I saw cannot be unseen.'
His father, Raymond, added: 'I relive everything in my mind every time I close my eyes – there is no room for people like this in society.
'I will never get over what has happened to my son and will have a lifetime of pain and heartbreak.'
Pictured: Footage shows Hammett and Howell meeting before they walk through town together
Pictured: Hammett chasing James' friend after the attack carrying a large knife
The case is the latest example of 'Wild West Britain', with fearless gang members swaggering around in public with concealed knives at the ready, whether to attack rivals or defend themselves.
Mr Quigley's murder happened on January 17 last year, a year after the Norwich murder of another 3rdside member, Joe Dix, 18.
Hammett had attended his comrade's funeral and kept the service book for mourners in his bedroom.
Mr Quigley had been spotted at the Dix murder trial shortly before his death, marking him out as a rival gang member.
Hammett, of Rushmere St Andrew who was 18 at the time of the attack, had been forced to move to Ipswich on police bail conditions for his role in a violent nightclub brawl in which two police officers and three door staff were assaulted.
A flurry of calls between 3rdside and IP3 members led to him joining forces with Howell, who was then 17, to confront Mr Quigley in full view of CCTV cameras.
