Shocking CCTV footage presented to the Old Bailey reveals a killer's chilling movements as he stalked the streets of Westminster in the hours leading up to a brutal double murder.
The court heard how the suspect was captured on camera prowling the area before launching a frenzied attack on two homeless men as they slept in a doorway on Strutton Ground, just a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament.
A Brutal and Frenzied Assault
Prosecutors described the incident as a violent and sustained assault that claimed the lives of two vulnerable individuals. The victims, both Polish nationals known to the local community, were targeted in their sleep in the early hours of the morning.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of an attack, but despite their efforts, both men were pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination would later confirm they died from multiple sharp force injuries.
The Hunt for the Killer
Metropolitan Police detectives launched a major investigation, with the CCTV footage becoming a crucial piece of evidence. The video allegedly shows the suspect in the vicinity both before and after the time of the murders.
The accused, 43-year-old Slovakian national Marcin Koczot, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Belmarsh prison. He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth before the hearing was adjourned.
A Community in Shock
The killings have sent shockwaves through the local Westminster community, highlighting the dangers faced by those sleeping rough on the city's streets. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for better protection and support for homeless people across the capital.
The case continues as the prosecution prepares to present its full evidence against the defendant in what is being described as a senseless and horrific crime.
