News / Crime
Machete attacker found guilty of attempted murder in a McDonald’s
A 20-year-old man from Fishponds has been found guilty of attempting to murder a teenager who he brutally attacked with a machete inside the McDonald’s in Broadmead.
Joel Binnings admitted causing his victim grievous bodily harm after stabbing him multiple times on February 8.
He denied trying to kill the boy, who was 16 at the time of the attack, but a jury at Bristol Crown Court found him guilty of attempted murder.
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Following the verdict, Binnings was remanded into custody. He will be sentenced on October 11.
The “ferocious” attack happened at McDonald’s in Broadmead – photo: Martin Booth
During the four-day trial, CCTV watched by the jury showed the victim trying to run away from Binnings and holding his hands up in defence.
Binnings ran out of the McDonald’s after the attack and despite being chased by a police officer who happened to be patrolling the area at the time, he was able to escape but was arrested a few days later.
Several members of the public including an off-duty nurse went to the aid of the victim, who now has life-changing injuries following nearly four months receiving treatment in hospital including two months of which were in intensive care.
Avon & Somerset Police detective inspector Hannah Marsh said: “This was a horrendous attack on a teenage boy by another young man using a large knife in a very public place.
“Families and children were inside McDonald’s at the time of the incident and were traumatised by what they witnessed.
“The ferocity of the attack carried out by Binnings was such that his victim is very lucky to be alive.
“The evidence provided to the court makes clear the impact the incident has had on him and lays bear the serious consequences of knife crime.
“The material we gathered which was presented to the jury left them with no doubt that Binnings meant to kill his victim and he now rightly can expect to spend a significant time behind bars.
“The victim, his family, and all those who’ve been involved in investigating this awful incident would like to thank the members of the public who came to his aid in the moments after the attack.
“They not only comforted him and provided him with reassurance, they saved his life and their humanity and public spiritedness deserves to be recognised.”
Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police
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