Man arrested after Golders Green incident convicted of affray

A man arrested in Golders Green in January has been convicted of affray and possession of a knife after a fast-paced Met investgation.

Gabriel Abdullah, 34 (21.11.89) of Hamilton Road, NW11 appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Tuesday, 27 February where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, responsible for policing in north-west London, said: "This incident in Golders Green understandably caused significant concern for our Jewish communities and I hope that today’s conviction clearly demonstrates how seriously this incident was taken.

“The conviction is largely due to the fast response of officers who had Abdullah in handcuffs within minutes of police being called, the bravery of volunteers from Shomrim and members of the public who intervened before police arrived, and the overwhelming case evidence compiled against Abdullah that resulted in him pleading guilty.”

The conviction follows police being called to reports of a man with a knife in Hamilton Road, NW11 at around 13:27hrs on Monday, 29 January.

Officers responded and carried out a search of the area. Within minutes they had located Gabriel Abdullah and arrested him on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage and affray. He was taken to a north London police station and on Tuesday, 30 January he was charged with affray and possession of bladed article in public place.

There were no reports of any injuries. However a knife was recovered at the scene.

Gabriel Abdullah is remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Wednesday, 8 May.