In a shocking incident in Bristol, Joel Binnings, 20, has been convicted of attempted murder after a brutal machete attack on a teenage boy at a McDonald’s restaurant. The attack occurred on February 8 at The Horsefair in central Bristol, leaving the community reeling from the devastating impact of knife crime.

Binnings, a resident of Fishponds, Bristol, had previously admitted to causing grievous bodily harm but denied the more severe charge of attempted murder. However, following a four-day trial at Bristol Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of attempted murder.

The court heard that Binnings ambushed the teenage victim inside the busy McDonald’s, wielding a machete in a violent and unprovoked assault. The attack, captured on CCTV, showed the victim trying to flee, with Binnings relentlessly pursuing and slashing at him, despite the presence of families and children in the restaurant.

The teenage victim suffered life-changing injuries and spent nearly four months in the hospital, including two months in intensive care. His recovery is ongoing, with the injuries described as severe.

Detective Inspector Hannah Marsh, who led the investigation, described the incident as a “horrendous attack” that traumatised witnesses. She praised the bravery of bystanders, including an off-duty nurse who provided immediate assistance to the victim.

Binnings managed to evade capture immediately following the attack but was quickly identified and arrested by police just days later. He is due to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

The case has highlighted the rising concern about knife crime in the UK, and DI Marsh stressed the importance of continued public vigilance and the need for communities to come together to prevent such horrific incidents.

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