Ten London Teenagers Sentenced Over Southend Machete Violence

Ten teenagers aged between 15 and 19 have been sentenced to a combined total of over 34 years in prison for their roles in a violent disorder involving machetes on the Southend seafront on July 30, 2024. The group, largely from London, gathered in side streets before engaging in pre-planned violent clashes that seriously injured at least two people, causing disruption to local businesses and costing police over £600,000 in operations. The defendants pleaded guilty to charges including violent disorder, possession of bladed articles, assaulting emergency workers, and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, with sentences ranging from 18 months to over eight years. The incident was condemned by Essex Police as reckless and dangerous, occurring amid thousands of law-abiding visitors, and has led to ongoing appeals to identify additional suspects. The violence forced early closures of local attractions and significantly impacted the town’s economy, highlighting the profound community harm caused by the brawl. The case was heard at Basildon Crown Court, where tensions remained high, including a fight between defendants during sentencing.