Anthony Williams refused to appear in court via video link on December 1, facing 21 charges including ten counts of attempted murder from a mass stabbing on a high-speed train. His legal representative requested a six-week psychiatric assessment before the 32-year-old enters any pleas at Cambridge Crown Court.
Williams is accused of attacking passengers on a London North Eastern Railway service from Doncaster to London on the evening of November 1. Eleven passengers were rushed to hospital following the incident, though no casualties were reported. The charges also include possession of a bladed article from the same incident.
The consolidated indictment covers multiple violent incidents across late October and early November. Williams faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London in the early hours of November 1, where a victim suffered facial injuries.
Peterborough and Stevenage incidents
On October 31, Williams is accused of attempting to murder a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man in Peterborough. He also faces charges of attempted wounding of a 28-year-old man, affray at a barbershop, and possession of a bladed article in public places including a footbridge near Henry Penn Walk, the Rail World car park, and Queen's Walk.
Additional charges include theft of a pack of knives from an Asda store in Stevenage on October 31, and assault of a man on a train between King's Cross and Peterborough on November 1.
Williams is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm for allegedly attacking a male police officer while in custody.
Court proceedings
Judge Mark Bishop set the next hearing for January 28, 2026, at Cambridge Crown Court. A provisional trial date has been scheduled for June 22, 2026, before a High Court Judge. The prosecution and defense will have two days to review the psychiatric report once available.
Williams, who stated at an earlier hearing at Peterborough Magistrates' Court that he is of no fixed abode, remains in custody. His custody time limit is currently set for May 1, and an application will be made to extend it.
Police stated at the time of the LNER train attack that it did not appear to be an act of «terrorism».
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
