Man with 39 previous convictions jailed for violent homophobic attack in Islington

Alex Ogden attacked a man in his 50s and subjected him to ‘appalling homophobic abuse’
Alex Ogden
Metropolitan Police
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A “prolific” criminal has been jailed after attacking a man in Islington in a violent homophobic assault.

Alex Ogden, 28, was sentenced to 32 months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, after he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.

The court heard how, on October 18, Ogden attacked a man in his 50s at a property in Islington, using a knife and subjecting him to “appalling” homophobic abuse.

The victim sustained a number of cuts to his face and a broken nose, while Ogden fled the scene.

The Met launched an investigation, and forensic evidence from the scene identified Ogden as the suspect.

A national manhunt was launched by the Met two weeks later, on November 1, involving police forces across the country and a major public appeal.

Met detectives were tipped off as to the Ogden’s location, and he was arrested in Southwark on November 2.

A CCTV image of Alex Ogden
Metropolitan Police

The court heard that Ogden had an extensive offending history of 39 previous convictions across the country.

His previous offences largely took place in the north of England, mainly in Yorkshire and on trains.

Ogden, of no fixed address, was on Tuesday sentenced to a total of 32 months in prison. A five-year restraining order was also imposed on him to help protect the victim, and he will be placed on licence upon release.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley from Central North Public Protection Team said: “I am extremely proud of my officers who were able to secure the conviction against this violent man.

"Ogden has a prolific offending history, targeting multiple victims across the country. This offence was treated as a homophobic hate crime for the appalling comments used during the attack.

"I would urge any members of the public to come forward if they have also been subjected to hate crime. This conviction demonstrates the Met’s commitment to tackling hate crime in the LGBTQ+ community and the continued prosecution of people who seek to cause harm.”