Colchester: Two jailed over serious assault

Two men have been sentenced to six years and nine months each after pleading guilty to Grievous Bodily Harm with intent, following a serious assault in Colchester in January.

On Tuesday, 9 January, Essex Police received a report of a 16-year-old boy sustaining serious injuries at Queen Street in Colchester.

The victim was taken to hospital with stab wounds and received life-saving treatment. His condition was initially believed to be life-threatening but he has since made a full recovery.

CCTV enquiries indicated that the victim had been involved in an argument with two men inside Pepes Chicken Shop shortly before 6:30pm. During this argument the victim was stabbed a number of times before managing to escape onto the street.

The investigation identified Kaya Adu, 19 and Rushi Jadeja, 21 as being responsible for the assault . They were arrested in Colchester on 13 January and they were charged with attempted murder. Adu was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Following a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 9 April, both men entered guilty pleas to grievous bodily harm with intent, which was accepted.

Both men appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (4 June) and both sentenced to six years and nine months. Adu was ordered to spend an additional three years on license.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said:

“Adu and Jadeja escalated a verbal altercation into a serious assault, which almost cost a 16-year-old boy his life.

“The victim has had to have multiple surgeries following this assault but thankfully has since made a full recovery. I hope he can put this horrendous assault behind him following this sentence.

“This sentence concludes a thorough investigation by our Serious Crime Directorate and I commend the officers who have worked hard to secure this justice.”

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