London, United Kingdom – A man who carried out a violent homophobic attack in Islington has been sentenced to 32 months in prison after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm. Alex Ogden, 28, was convicted and sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday following the incident on October 18, 2023. The victim, a man in his 50s, suffered cuts to his face and a broken nose after being attacked with a knife and subjected to homophobic abuse by Ogden before he fled the scene.
Efforts by the Central North Public Protection Team led to a nationwide manhunt for Ogden, who was identified through forensic evidence recovered at the scene. Detectives worked tirelessly to apprehend Ogden, who was arrested in Southwark on November 2. His extensive criminal history, with 39 previous convictions mainly in Yorkshire and on trains, was also disclosed during the court proceedings.
During the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley commended the team for securing a conviction against Ogden, emphasizing the severity of the hate crime based on the homophobic nature of the attack. He urged other potential victims of hate crimes to come forward, highlighting the Metropolitan Police’s dedication to addressing LGBTQ+ community safety and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, Ogden was issued a five-year restraining order to protect the victim upon his release. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat hate crimes and ensure justice for those affected by such incidents. As the Metropolitan Police continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, the conviction of Ogden underscores the importance of standing against acts of violence fueled by prejudice and discrimination.