Hainault murder accused 'slashed man and smiled'

An alleged sword attacker smiled after slashing a pedestrian in the neck during a "brutal string of attacks" that left a 14-year-old boy dead, the Old Bailey has heard.

Marcus Monzo, 37, is accused of murdering Daniel Anjorin and attempting to kill four others in Hainault, north-east London, in April last year.

He denies the charges.

Jurors have been shown CCTV of the first alleged attack, in which a grey van mounted the pavement and hit a man on his way to work.

Footage showed security guard Donato Iwule screaming as he was struck by the van before it collided with a house.

Mr Monzo is then seen exiting the vehicle and walking after him while brandishing a sword.

Mr Iwule told the court he tried to escape into a nearby garden but was struck on his knee, face and shoulder and knocked to the ground.

He said the defendant pulled a sword from a cover and said "I'm going to kill you".

Mr Iwule said he tried to defend himself and raised his arms but Mr Monzo swung the sword, catching him on the neck.

"I saw blood coming out of my neck," he said.

"I pressed my thumb to not bleed out… I shouted 'God is greatest' in Arabic – because I'm Muslim.

"When that happened, he was smiling like it was something that he was happy about."

Last week jurors heard how Mr Monzo had skinned and deboned his own cat before carrying out the alleged attacks, and was under the influence of cannabis that may have led to drug-induced psychosis.

However, the prosecution says this does not amount to diminished responsibility.

Mr Monzo has admitted possessing two swords but denies murder, attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]