FOUR men face long prison sentences for a “targeted” attack that left a Fishponds man with life-changing injuries.
Reuben Fay, aged 20, of Lockleaze, Tayshon Graham, 21, of Easton, and Cain Henderson, 24, of Eastville, were found guilty of attempted murder yesterday following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
They had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
A fourth defendant, 22-year-old Ajay Edwards, of Slough, was cleared of attempted murder but had also previously admitted GBH with intent.
Above: Ajay Edwards and Reuben Fay.
Top: Tayshon Graham and Cain Henderson
Detectives say only the swift action of people at the scene saved the life of their victim, who suffered a brain injury and at least seven stab wounds in the attack, which happened in Bishop Road, Bishopston, on Boxing Day 2023.
The victim of the attack, who police have not named, had gone for a meal with friends at a restaurant in nearby Gloucester Road.
The jury was shown video of Graham and Fay entering the same restaurant with Edwards, keeping their hoods up and faces covered.
They were shown to a table where they sat down for a minute, watching their victim and his friends, before leaving.
Victim ‘stabbed repeatedly’
A police spokesperson said they returned about 40 minutes later with Henderson, chasing their victim and his friends as they left the restaurant.
He tripped and fell in Bishop Road and was “stabbed repeatedly – at least seven times – where he lay”.
The spokesperson said: “He suffered a brain injury, and multiple significant wounds to his face, neck, shoulder, arm, chest and buttock.”
The four attackers made off, and all except Henderson left Bristol soon afterwards.
Public helped save life
The spokesperson added: “Detectives believe the prompt actions of members of the public at the scene, calling the emergency services and providing first aid, almost certainly helped to save the victim’s life.
“Medics initially described his injuries as life-threatening.”
The man, now 24, was in hospital for almost five months after the attack and has been left with “long-term, life changing injuries”.
Attack was ‘targeted’
Police said more than a year of “complex and rigorous investigation” led to the defendants being charged and appearing in court, charged initially with GBH with intent but with attempted murder charges added “in light of medical and other evidence”.
Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston said: “This attack was targeted and planned, and three of those responsible attempted to evade justice by leaving Bristol almost immediately.
“It has taken months of painstaking investigation to reach this point. We’re determined to make sure that those who cause such serious harm will be brought before the courts.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are now with the victim and his family.”
The four defendants have been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced in December.