A man accused of wielding a sword smiled after attacking a pedestrian in the neck during a “brutal series of assaults” that resulted in the death of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, according to testimony heard at the Old Bailey.
Marcus Monzo, aged 37, faces charges of murder and attempted murder for allegedly targeting four additional victims in Hainault, located in north-east London, in April of the previous year.
He pleads not guilty to all allegations.
During the trial, jurors were shown CCTV footage from the initial alleged incident, which depicted a grey van veering onto the sidewalk and striking a man en route to his job.
The video captured security guard Donato Iwule shouting as he was hit by the vehicle, which then crashed into a nearby house.
Following the collision, Monzo is seen exiting the van and pursuing Mr. Iwule while wielding a sword.
Mr. Iwule recounted in court his attempts to flee into a nearby garden, where he was struck on his knee, face, and shoulder, ultimately toppling to the ground.
He claimed Monzo drew a sword from its sheath and declared, “I’m going to kill you.”
Attempting to defend himself, Mr. Iwule raised his arms, but Monzo swung the sword, inflicting a wound on his neck.
“I saw blood gushing from my neck,” he stated.
“I pressed my thumb against the wound to stop the bleeding… I cried out ‘God is great’ in Arabic because I am Muslim.
“At that moment, he was smiling as if he were pleased about what was happening.”
Last week, jurors were informed that Monzo had skinned and deboned his own cat prior to the alleged assaults and was under the influence of cannabis, which may have triggered a state of drug-induced psychosis.
However, the prosecution asserts that this does not constitute diminished responsibility.
Monzo has acknowledged possessing two swords but denies charges of murder, attempted murder, wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and carrying a bladed weapon.
