NHS doctor attacked with ‘hunting knife’ near North London hospital for a ‘games console’

A man attacked an NHS doctor with a knife in hospital accomodation after claiming to want to buy his PlayStation 5 on an online marketplace.

Ever Francis, 18, from Peckham attacked the 20-year-old doctor on Sunday, February 21 at the accomodation for Whittington Hospital in Islington, North London.

The two had agreed to meet there so that Francis could buy the console.

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But as the doctor attempted to check for the money, Francis tried to grab hold of his lanyard before punching him, the court heard yesterday (December 20).

He then pulled out a hunting knife and attacked the man, attempting to stab him in the chest.

Luckily, the victim was able to escape the knife attack, and asked a woman who arrived at the scene to call for help.

Security guards chased after the attacker who was later identified via CCTV. The knife was found discarded.

Francis was arrested at his home on Thursday, February 25, where police also found siezed counterfeit notes to the value of £1,120.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (December 20), for attempted robbery, posession of an offensive weapon, and posession of counterfeit currency with intent.

He will serve a concurrent sentence of two years and six months.

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Detective Constable Ishmael Donegan, from Central North Basic Command Unit, said: “Francis traveled across London armed with a hunting knife after contacting the victim through a online buying and selling website. He showed no regard for the victim’s safety who could’ve sustained serious injury.

“I ask that sellers and buyers on marketplace websites be extra cautious when meeting individuals in person.

“The swift investigation conducted by Central North’s Robbery Squad and the Violence Suppression Unit ensured Francis was identified and arrested mere days after the incident. I would also like to praise the security guards who pursued Francis not knowing that he was armed with a knife.

“Combating robbers and knife carriers is a priority for The Met and we will continue to pursue these individuals.”

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https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/nhs-doctor-attacked-hunting-knife-22539703

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