Ipswich, Suffolk – A 19-year-old teenager, Alfie Hammett, is facing a life sentence for a gang-related street slaying that took place in January last year. The brutal murder, in which 18-year-old Ray Quigley was repeatedly stabbed in front of horrified shoppers, is just one of the violent crimes Hammett was involved in. At the time of the murder, he was on bail for another violent attack, having been banned from Norwich under police bail conditions.
This tragic incident is part of a vicious gang feud that has engulfed the region, with the victim, Mr. Quigley, being associated with a gang called Only The Money, or OTM. The murder was motivated by deep-rooted rivalry between different groups, and the attack was premeditated.
During the trial, it was revealed that Hammett and an accomplice had been searching for Mr. Quigley on a busy shopping street, wearing face masks and with their hoods up. They confronted him, and Hammett proceeded to brutally attack and stab Mr. Quigley. The accomplice, Joshua Howell, also played a part in preventing Mr. Quigley’s friends from intervening.
The fatal attack, which was captured on CCTV, showed Mr. Quigley staggering into a nearby shop, where he bled to death. Despite denying any involvement in the attack, both teenagers were eventually convicted of murder and carrying an offensive weapon. The minimum term for their sentence will be set on March 11.
During the trial, it was also revealed that Hammett’s father had suspicions about his son’s involvement after checking a tracking device he had secretly placed on his moped. The data from the device showed the route the teenager had taken, leading to the evidence used by the police in their investigation.
The judge emphasized the severity of the crime, highlighting the mandatory detention for life that both teenagers are facing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence and the consequences it can have on young lives.