Geoffrey Ryan, 53, caused chaos at The Lounge in Market Square, Braintree, on September 9, 2022, after a night of drinking escalated into a violent attack. What began as a casual visit to the nightclub turned into a terrifying incident for patrons and staff.
Ryan arrived at The Lounge around 4pm appearing calm initially. However, as he continued to drink, his behaviour deteriorated, disturbing other customers. Security staff intervened at 9pm but were met with immediate verbal abuse from Ryan. By 9.30pm, after Ryan harassed a group of customers, staff issued warnings. Despite this, Ryan threw a drink and attempted to assault door staff. Following his ejection from the venue, Ryan flicked a cigarette and threatened to kill a victim before leaving the premises.
Less than two hours later, Ryan returned to The Lounge wearing a hood. He parked near the Sainsbury’s parent-and-baby parking spot before storming back into the nightclub. Without warning, he attacked a victim by slashing their neck with a razor. The injury was severe and life-threatening, requiring urgent medical attention to save the victim’s life.
Thanks to the swift response of emergency services and the bravery of the public, Ryan was detained at the scene. Police recovered the razor blade from a bush near where Ryan had been lying down. He was arrested immediately following the attack.
Ryan, who lives on Brick Kiln Way in Braintree, now faces charges of attempted murder and racially aggravated harassment. His attempt to plead guilty to a lesser charge of grievous bodily harm was rejected by the court due to clear evidence of intent to kill. Ryan denied all charges but was found guilty after a week-long trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. Sentencing is scheduled for April 5.
Detective Inspector Lydia George stated: “It is no exaggeration to say this could have been a murder investigation. Ryan showed clear intent to kill; there is no doubt this was attempted murder. The victim’s life was saved by the quick action of officers and medics—the wound was millimetres from being fatal. Ryan is clearly a dangerous individual who will face a long custodial sentence.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
