Accused Train Attacker Deemed Fit to Plead as Trial Date Pushed Back
A man facing 13 counts of attempted murder, including 11 alleged attacks on two separate trains, has been declared fit to plead by the court. Anthony Williams, 32, who was previously described as psychotic and treated in a psychiatric intensive unit, can now enter pleas at a future date, though his trial has been significantly delayed.
Psychiatric Assessments Force Trial Postponement
During a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, it was revealed that while Williams is now in a position to enter pleas, the trial date originally set for June 22 must be postponed. The delay is necessary to allow for further psychiatric assessments and analysis of evidence related to his mental health.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC stated, "Further reports are now needed to deal with other issues to do with Mr Williams' mental health. Both parties form the clear view that the trial date of June 22 is no longer viable." He added that the Crown's own psychiatrist would need to produce a comprehensive report.
New Trial Date Set for Late October
Judge Mark Bishop, the Recorder of Cambridge and Peterborough, confirmed the trial cannot proceed in June and set a new provisional date of October 26. This date is contingent on the availability of a high court judge. Williams, who is of no fixed abode, was not required to attend the hearing and remains at Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, where he has been receiving treatment since being judged psychotic in February.
Complex Case Involving Multiple Alleged Incidents
The charges against Williams stem from a series of alleged incidents culminating in a mass stabbing on a train on November 1 last year. He is accused of attempting to murder nine passengers and a train buffet worker on an LNER service from Doncaster to London's Kings Cross, which stopped at Huntingdon. Among the alleged victims is Stephen Crean, 61, a Nottingham Forest fan who was reportedly stabbed repeatedly while trying to protect other passengers.
Other named victims include Scunthorpe United player Jonathan Gjoshe, 22, and rail worker Samir Zitouni, 48, who allegedly used a frying pan to fend off the attacker. Williams also faces charges related to an alleged attack on another passenger on a DLR train at Pontoon Dock station in east London earlier that same day.
Additional Charges and Evidence Review
Defense barrister Graham Arnold indicated that the required analysis extends beyond psychiatric history. "He'll also look at evidence in the case and there's quite a lot of CCTV," Arnold noted, adding that statements relevant to Williams' state of mind would be examined.
Williams faces additional charges including two more counts of attempted murder and attempted wounding with intent to cause serious harm, related to alleged attacks in Peterborough on October 31. These involve a 14-year-old boy on a footbridge and 22-year-old William Ogelby in a car park. He is also charged with affray at a barber's shop, theft of kitchen knives from an Asda store, and common assault on a train between Hitchin and Biggleswade.
The case continues to develop as authorities compile comprehensive psychiatric reports and review extensive evidence, including CCTV footage, ahead of the rescheduled trial in October.
