Passengers on a train where Anthony Williams stabbed 10 people last year have described the attack in court, with one victim saying some people remained seated thinking it was a joke, while another said his dog fought back and the attacker ran away. Williams, 33, denies 10 counts of attempted murder.
The trial at Cambridge Crown Court heard testimony from several victims of the attack on the York to London King's Cross LNER service on 1 November 2025. The train made an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The attack occurred after the train left Peterborough. Williams also faces four other alleged attempted murders in Peterborough and London on 31 October and 1 November. The court has been told that whether Williams carried out the attacks is not in question; the jury must decide if he intended to kill.
Jonathan Gjoshe, the first person stabbed, told the court in a video interview that he initially thought Williams was someone he knew. He said Williams pulled a knife and stabbed him slowly. Gjoshe said his arm was drenched with blood and he went through the carriage telling people to run, but some remained seated “thinking it was a joke”. He spent four days in hospital and asked staff “am I going to die today?”.
Sachin Balakrishnan, a passenger in the same carriage, said he heard screaming and saw people trying to jump over seats. He ran and felt pain in his right arm. David Presland, 73, said he was on his hands and knees when stabbed and thought he was going to die. Scott Green, travelling with his cockapoo Poppy, said the dog “went into attack mode” and startled Williams, who then ran away. Green described Williams as “just dead in the eyes”. Kevin Deely recalled throwing luggage at the attacker and said he felt he was going to die.
The trial continues.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The trial highlights the trauma experienced by victims of mass violence and the legal process of assessing intent in such cases.
- The case involves a series of attacks across multiple locations, raising questions about public safety on public transport.
- The jury's decision on intent could set a precedent for similar cases.
Background
Anthony Williams is accused of stabbing 10 people on a train from York to London King's Cross on 1 November 2025. He also faces charges for attempted murders in Peterborough on 31 October and on a DLR train in east London on 1 November. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Key Perspectives
Victims (various): described the attack as terrifying and chaotic, with some initially disbelieving the threat, and others fighting back or helping fellow passengers.
Anthony Williams (defendant): denies 10 counts of attempted murder; the court has been told he carried out the attacks but the central question is whether he intended to kill.
What to Watch
- The jury's verdict on whether Williams intended to kill the victims.
- Any additional evidence or testimony about Williams' state of mind.
- The outcome of the other alleged attempted murder charges.