Brick Lane knife attacker jailed for 20 years

A knife-wielding thug who stabbed two strangers in a random attack has been jailed for 20 years.

Daniel Watkins and his teenage accomplice, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stabbed their two victims with kitchen knives during an unprovoked spree in Brick Lane last year.

One man was stabbed nine times – including through the chest – during the vicious attack in the early hours of the morning of May 4.

Watkins’ ruthless accomplice, who was 16 at the time, pinned a second man to the ground, forcing him to beg for his life while thrusting a knife down on either side of his head.

The duo then went on to attack a third victim, pushing him off his bike and threatening him with the knives.

Det Sgt Steve Pounder said: “Daniel Watkins is a violent person who was fully prepared to use knives to attack and seriously harm innocent members of the public who were going about their daily lives.”

Watkins, of New Union Close in Cubitt Town on the Isle of Dogs, was handed a 20 year sentence at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday. He was found guilty of attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapons, assault and wounding with intent in April.

His accomplice, also from the E14 area, is being held in a hospital facility.

“The danger that Watkins represents to the community is fully demonstrated by this 20 year sentence,” added Det Sgt Pounder.

“These violent individuals will have the opportunity to reflect on this as they serve their sentences.”