Two young men, 18 and 21, jailed for a combined total of 24 years after attacking man in Basingstoke

Two young men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 24 years after a man was almost killed during a violent attack in Basingstoke.

Amman Majid, 18, of Chivers Close, Basingstoke, and Charlie Costen, 21, of Harlech Close, Basingstoke, attacked a lone man on the footbridge on Buckskin Lane, near Grampian Way.

Winchester Crown Court heard that at around 11pm on Tuesday 30 January, the victim – a man in his 40s – was chased by a group of young men on electric bikes.

He had just purchased drugs and was later threatened by the group. The man was then attacked with a machete. He suffered serious facial and head injuries and was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital to receive treatment.

The Basingstoke Neighbourhood Policing Team and Northern Neighbourhood Enforcement Team carried out a number of reassurance patrols in the Buckskin and South Ham area following the incident.

Detectives launched an investigation and arrested four people. Following a number of enquiries, Majid and Costen were both charged with attempted murder.

Majid was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for a total of 19 and a half years at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 5 December.

Costen was cleared of attempted murder but was found guilty of wounding with intent. He was jailed for a total of five years at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 5 December.

DC Rowan McComb, from CID North, led the investigation and said: “This was a shocking incident and it is miraculous that the victim of this senseless and violent attack did not lose his life.

“I would like to thank the victim of this needless attack for the bravery and courage he has shown throughout the investigation and trial.

“This assisted us in putting two dangerous young men behind bars. I hope this outcome will encourage any future victims to put their trust in the police and assist us in the continued issues we face with drug-related violence.

“We will continue to do all we can ensure to ensure that those who carry knives will be put before the courts.

“I would also like to thank my colleagues, whose dedication and hard work throughout this complex investigation ensured we could present a thorough pack of evidence ahead of the trial.”

Chief Inspector Hayley O’Grady, Basingstoke’s District Commander, added: “We know this incident had a huge impact on the local community, however I want to reassure you that our officers take reports of knife crime in the district extremely seriously.

“In the days and weeks after this incident, our officers carried out a number of reassurance patrols and made enquiries in the Buckskin and South Ham area.

“Our commitment to tackling knife crime continues and we are dedicated to working with partners and organisations to engage with young people about the dangers of knife crime and help divert them away from serious violence.

“I hope this case sends a strong message to anyone who chooses to carry a weapon or become involved in serious violence, no good ever comes from it. The consequences destroy lives forever.”

Please continue to report drug-related crime or issues to us via 101 or on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. Always call 999 in an emergency.

You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/