Greig Watson
BBC East Midlands
Three gang members, Salvadore Hall, Nathan Rochester, and Olivia Williams, have been jailed for their roles in a brutal attack on a rival, which was filmed and posted on social media in a bid to humiliate the victim. The attack occurred on April 2, 2023, at a property in Keverne Close, Aspley, Nottingham, where the victim was handcuffed, assaulted with knives and metal poles, and left with multiple stab wounds and broken bones.
Hall, 32, of HMP Nottingham, Rochester, 32, of HMP Ranby, and Williams, 25, of Grange Road, Torquay, Devon, were found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court and sentenced to 16, 10, and 8 years in prison respectively for false imprisonment and grievous bodily harm with intent. Hall also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and illegal possession of ammunition.
The victim, who had been transported to the property by taxi, managed to flee after enduring 80 minutes of assault. He collapsed at a petrol station in Nuthall Road, Whitemoor, where he was discovered with severe injuries. CCTV footage revealed the victim entering the property and being immediately attacked by the gang.
The trio filmed parts of the attack to further humiliate the victim, which was later shared on social media. They also attempted to clean the scene, even ripping up the carpets to hide the evidence. Hall was arrested after being seen throwing a bag containing the victim’s bloodstained dreadlocks and a handgun from a car on April 4.
Rochester was arrested the next day, and forensic evidence at Williams’ arrest led investigators to confirm the location of the assault. Further phone evidence revealed frequent contact between Rochester and Williams prior to and after the incident, including threats made to the victim’s family.
Detective Constable Bethanie Foster commented on the severity of the crime, stating, “The level of violence displayed was shocking, and the victim is fortunate not to have suffered even more serious or lasting injuries.” The gang’s actions, particularly the filming of the assault, were condemned as an extra layer of depravity.
