Aspiring lawyer ‘killed in gang-style attack after trip to Waitrose’

An aspiring lawyer was stabbed to death in a “gang-style” attack in a case of mistaken identity after a trip to Waitrose, a court has heard.

Sven Badzak, 22, and a 16-year-old friend were targeted by a group of six youths as they walked in Kilburn, north-west London, on the afternoon of 6 February 2021.

Mr Badzak was repeatedly stabbed after falling to the ground, while his friend suffered multiple stab injuries but managed to run into a nearby supermarket for help.

Rashid Gedel, 22, from Ilford, and Shiroh Ambersley, 22, from Wembley, are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murder, attempted murder and an alternative charge of wounding with intent.

Opening their trial on Wednesday, Anthony Orchard KC said the two victims had been walking along Willesden Lane where they were subjected to “what appears to have been a gang-style attack”.

“Neither victim was a gang member or associate. It appears they were the unfortunate victims of mistaken identity,” he said.

Eight minutes before the attack, Gedel and Ambersley had allegedly gone to a bakery looking for other young people to attack.

Gedel was caught on CCTV “inspecting” two hooded youths at the counter before walking out of the shop, Mr Orchard said.

Meanwhile, the two victims had been to the Waitrose in Finchley Road, about a half a mile away.

As they walked back, the 16-year-old was watching a Liverpool football game on his phone and both were unaware of what was about to happen.

Mr Orchard said: “As the two friends walked west on Willesden Lane, Gedel drew closer to them. Sven Badzak and his friend were wholly unaware of what was about to happen.”

At 5.37pm, Mr Badzak and his friend crossed paths with their attackers, jurors heard.

Jurors were shown CCTV footage of the pair walking together “minding their own business” and unaware of the group behind gaining on them.

According to the survivor, three males came up to them and said: “What are you on?”

Mr Badzak was then stabbed in the chest while his friend was stabbed in the back but managed to run off pursued by some of the attackers, it was claimed.

As Mr Badzak ran away, he dropped his Waitrose shopping bag and collapsed outside a burger restaurant, the court heard.

Mr Orchard said: “His attackers catch up with him on the ground. It appears he was kicked and punched.

“During the totality of the attack, he was stabbed four times. His phone fell to the ground. No attacker attempted to retrieve it. At least one of those attacking him shouted out.

“The attack on Sven Badzak lasts no more than 20 seconds.”

The 16-year-old victim sprinted into a Tesco supermarket where he sought help and collapsed.

The attackers “gave up the chase” and fled the scene, jurors were told.

Mr Orchard said Gedel and Ambersley had been identified from CCTV at the scene.

He said Gedel was also implicated by mobile phone evidence and “boasts” on social media afterwards.

Mr Orchard said two other alleged members of the group were not in the dock.

Harvey Canavan, 19, from Maida Vale, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and unlawful wounding and Lior Agbayan had fled abroad, the jury was told.

The remaining two suspects have not been identified, the court heard.

Gedel and Ambersley have denied the charges against them and the Old Bailey trial continues.