Home   Gravesend   News   Article

Retrial for Blake's clubber Mohammed Abdul after jury fails to reach attempted murder verdicts

A clubber who drove his car into a packed night spot injuring eight people is facing a retrial after the jury failed to reach verdicts on attempted murder charges.

The panel of seven men and five women deliberated for 13 hours and 25 minutes before reaching deadlock.

Mohammed Abdul, 21, denied two charges of attempting to murder people in the vicinity of Blake’s in Queen Street, Gravesend, on March 17 this year.

Emergency services at Blake’s nightclub in Queen Street, Gravesend (4242590)
Emergency services at Blake’s nightclub in Queen Street, Gravesend (4242590)

He also denied an alternative charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He admitted two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to customer Katie Wells and cameraman Pierre Joseph, who was at the club to film grime rapper Giggs’ guest appearance.

High Court Judge Mr Justice Fancourt told jurors: “In light of the discussion I have had with counsel, it is clear to me, and the right thing to do in the circumstances of this case, to discharge you from reaching verdicts on any of the counts on this indictment.

“There will be a retrial on all counts. It is clearly better those counts are considered by another jury altogether at another time.”

The retrial could take place in either December or early January next year.

Emergency services at Blake’s nightclub in Queen Street, Gravesend (4242590)
Emergency services at Blake’s nightclub in Queen Street, Gravesend (4242590)

Abdul drove his Suzuki Vitara into a marquee at the club shortly before midnight, seriously injuring Miss Wells and Mr Joseph.

The trial started last Monday, September 17, and the jury was discharged today.

Abdul, of McMillan Street, Deptford, south east London, was remanded in custody.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More