Gang members who almost killed two teenagers in a brutal attack mocked who they had “almost whacked” in music track.
Enock Kitopi, 23, and Tyrell Chester, 22, were found to have written lyrics to a co-authored song in which the authors recounted assaulting the two victims.
Lyrics found on Kitopi’s phone contained phrases such as "ask ** how I left him bleeding" and "go ask ** how he nearly got wacked".
A recorded version of the song, performed by Chester and Kitopi, was also found.
The duo, members of a Norwich gang called the 306, have been sentenced to over 16 years in prison, and a further five years each on licence, after the attack on Silver Road in Norwich in September 2022.
READ MORE: Men behind brutal Norwich knife attack sentenced to 25 years
Armed with a knife and a machete, they dismounted from the motorcycle and stabbed the two teens, one who suffered a near-fatal collapsed lung as a result of the stab wound and a cut to the forehead and hand.
Both Chester and Kitopi were arrested but later released on bail.
However, the song lyrics were discovered when Kitopi was arrested for a second time in January 2023 after he had threatened the second victim with a machete in Norwich city centre.
The victim managed to flee down St John’s alley before entering the Maddermarket Theatre where staff protected him and called police.
READ MORE: Man arrested after knife chase through Maddermarket
Both pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article. Kitopi also admitted witness intimidation.
In a statement read in court, the first victim detailed the effects the assault has had on his life.
“I no longer have any confidence to live my life, to the point that, every day, I wonder whether it would be easier if I weren͛'t here at all,” he said.
“I feel like I am just a shadow of my former self and that there is no hope of me ever being that person again.”
READ MORE: Men admit their parts in near fatal Norwich machete attack
The second victim commented: “If I so much as hear the sound of a motorcycle, my chest becomes tight and I struggle to breathe.
“I find myself constantly looking for exit routes wherever I am, and even the slightest trigger can lead to flashes of what happened in my mind.”
Investigating officer DC George Barker said: “This was a violent and premeditated assault, which almost cost two young victims their lives.
"Following the stabbings, Kitopi and Chester sought to avoid prosecution through fear and intimidation.
“It is my hope that the victims will now be able to move forward positively with their lives. The sentencing should send a strong message to our communities that violence on the streets of Norfolk will not be tolerated.”
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