A man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of nearly 39 years for the fatal sword attack on 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin during a violent rampage in East London.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, was convicted of murder and several other offences following the 30 April 2024 incident in Hainault, where he attacked multiple victims during a 20-minute spree. The court heard how Daniel, a British-Nigerian schoolboy, was walking to school when he was ambushed and struck with a samurai sword. He later died in hospital from a severe neck wound.

Monzo, who also wounded three other people — including two police officers and a young family — will not be eligible for parole until he has served 38 years and 309 days. The sentencing took place at the Old Bailey, where Mr Justice Bennathan noted the devastating impact on the community and the calculated nature of the attack. CCTV played during the trial showed what the judge described as a peaceful morning shattered within minutes by sudden, frenzied violence.

The attacker, who was suffering from cannabis-induced psychosis at the time, had reportedly consumed extremist and misogynistic content online prior to the attack. He had previously admitted to possessing weapons but denied murder. The jury found him guilty of murder, attempted murder, aggravated burglary, and wounding with intent.

During the sentencing, Daniel’s father, Ebenezer Anjorin, gave a moving victim impact statement. He described the moment he realised his son had been the victim, recognising the school uniform and seeing him lying in a pool of blood. He recounted how his wife, Grace, arrived on the scene as paramedics made unsuccessful efforts to revive their only child.

Describing Daniel as bright, kind, and full of promise, the grieving father said his son had a love for music, science, and football. He expressed the enduring pain of losing a child and the future that will never be realised — no graduation, no wedding, and no grandchildren.

The case has resonated deeply within the UK’s Nigerian community, with many expressing sorrow and concern over the broader issues highlighted by the incident, including mental health, youth safety, and community policing. Daniel, born in the UK to Nigerian parents from Ogun State, was known for his strong cultural roots and active participation in his local church.

Among the other victims of the attack were Donato Iwule, who was hit by Monzo’s van and pursued with a sword; PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield, who sustained serious injuries in the line of duty; and a young family, Henry De Los Rios Polania and Sindy Arias, who were attacked in their home while sleeping with their daughter. Inspector Moloy Campbell, who ultimately helped to subdue Monzo, was also injured.

In court, Monzo’s defence team presented a letter in which he expressed remorse and a desire to reverse the events of that day. However, the judge and victims’ families noted that no apology could undo the trauma inflicted.

Following the verdict, Daniel’s parents issued a statement acknowledging the justice delivered by the court but also recognising that no sentence could bring their son back. They committed to remembering him through the love and joy he brought to their lives.

The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions around community safety and mental health support, particularly for immigrant families. Daniel’s death is being mourned not only as a loss for his immediate family, but as a poignant moment for the wider diaspora community across the UK.