Nino-Tai Smith jailed over seven years after ramming motorcyclist with stolen car and machete assault

South London has been shaken by a savage gang attack involving a stolen Mercedes and a deadly machete, resulting in a man’s life being forever altered. On June 10, 2021, Nino-Tai Smith, 23, from Wandsworth Road, launched a premeditated assault that escalated a simmering gang rivalry in Clapham into a violent nightmare.

The incident began when Smith deliberately rammed a 25-year-old motorcyclist on Cedars Road with a stolen Mercedes. The impact was devastating, leaving the victim severely injured. But Smith’s violence did not stop there. In a horrifying display, he exited the vehicle and attacked the already vulnerable motorcyclist with a machete, causing catastrophic injuries.

Smith fled the scene, crashing the stolen Mercedes into a nearby street before abandoning the vehicle and slipping away just moments before police arrived. However, his escape was short-lived. The Met’s Gangs Unit launched a swift manhunt, tracking Smith to the Patmore Estate in Battersea two days later.

The arrest was dramatic, with officers chasing Smith down and apprehending him. During the capture, an illegal firearm was found in Smith’s possession — a chilling sign of the potential for even further violence.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers condemned the attack as “heinous” and “premeditated,” praising the relentless efforts of the police team. He emphasised the message loud and clear: London’s streets will not tolerate senseless gang violence. “We will always seek to prosecute such matters—even when a victim isn’t willing to support us,” Summers said.

Smith pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. The court handed down a sentence of seven years and three months imprisonment for these charges. Additionally, Smith admitted to firearms possession, receiving a concurrent sentence of five years.

The impact on the motorcyclist has been profound, with injuries described as catastrophic and life-changing. The brutality of the attack highlights the dangerous reality of gang conflicts spilling onto London’s streets, endangering innocent lives.

This case underlines the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to tackling gang violence head-on. Their swift response and successful prosecution send a strong message to offenders: violence and intimidation will be met with the full force of the law.

As South London reels from this attack, communities are reminded of the urgent need for vigilance and support for victims of gang crime. While Smith faces years behind bars, the scars of this violent episode will linger long for the victim and the wider community.

The Met’s Gangs Unit remains dedicated to rooting out dangerous criminals and ensuring safer streets for all Londoners. The case of Nino-Tai Smith is a stark reminder that justice will be pursued relentlessly, no matter how brutal or calculated the crime.