Music Lyrics as Key Evidence: Man Sentenced To 27-Years In Prison For Attempted Murder After His Drill Music Lyrics Linked Him To The Crime

A man, Ryan Maqsood (pictured above), aged 26 with an address on Liverpool Road, N1, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of 27 years due to compelling evidence linking his drill music lyrics to an attempted murder. 

This conviction came after his appearance at the Old Bailey on August 16, where he was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon. Sentencing occurred two days later, with reporting restrictions lifted for the public to learn of this case.

Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Katy Phipps stated, "Maqsood carried out a brutal attack on a 16-year-old boy which left him in a life-threatening condition after suffering 19 stab wounds. He is extremely lucky not to have succumbed to his injuries. The evidence we gathered during this investigation left the jury with no doubt as to his guilt, despite the fact the victim did not wish to assist police."

The incident took place on April 15, 2019, when police responded to a stabbing in Brookes Court, EC1. A 16-year-old boy was discovered with multiple stab wounds and was in a life-threatening condition. 

An attentive member of the public administered first aid before the victim was rushed to the hospital.

Detectives initiated an inquiry, examining CCTV footage that revealed a group of seven attackers on bicycles involved in what seemed to be a gang-style attack. Two of these assailants pursued the victim and inflicted 19 stab wounds upon him. 

Two Rambo-style knives, bearing the victim's DNA on the blade, were discovered inside a hidden backpack in nearby bushes. Maqsood's DNA was found on one of the knives and on the backpack, both of which were captured on CCTV being worn by one of the attackers.

During the police investigation, an analysis was conducted on drill tracks created and performed by Maqsood, who used the stage name 'Rashy.' 

One of these tracks seemed to vividly describe the stabbing, containing specific references only someone present during the incident would know.

To aid the jury's understanding, a law enforcement officer with expertise in drill music provided expert testimony in court, explaining the lyrics' significance. This testimony was complemented by expert evidence on local gang dynamics, offering additional context.

The evidence unveiled that the stabbing was driven by a conflict between street gangs within Islington.

Ultimately, Maqsood received a 27-year prison sentence, with an additional five years on license.

In another startling incident captured by a security camera, an intruder unlawfully entered the home of a young mother in Scotland, then proceeded to enter her bedroom and took a nap for three hours. See detailed story here. 

[SOURCE]