Luton stabbing: Gang member jailed for knifing rival in broad daylight

‘While other 20 year olds enjoy their youth...Richards-Tindle will spend his time behind bars,’ says detective

A gang member who stabbed his rival in an unprovoked attack in broad daylight, has been jailed.

Dashcam footage captured the moment Tyriq Richards-Tindle, 20, ran up to his rival’s car at a set of traffic lights in Luton brandishing a knife.

He then repeatedly stabbed him through the open passenger window on the morning of 8 July.

Surrounded by traffic and unable to drive away, the car's passengers attempted to fight off Richards-Tindle before he flees.

The victim then drove to the hospital where he was treated for “substantial injuries”, Bedfordshire Police said.

Footage of the incident was shared among police officers, three of whom recognised Richards-Tindle as the person holding the knife.

Police searched his home, where they found clothing matching that worn in the footage.

After he was arrested, Richards-Tindle, from Luton, answered “no comment” to all questions put to him, even when he was shown footage of the incident.

Detective Constable Colin Knight, from Boson, Bedfordshire Police’s specialist gun, gang and knife team, said: “It’s quite clear that Richards-Tindle was so focused on inflicting violence on his rival, that he spared no thought for others in the area, which included many members of the public.

“The 11-year sentence that has been imposed on him should serve as a warning to others involved in gangs, or who use weapons to cause fear and intimidation.

“While other 20 year olds in our county enjoy their youth, with many heading back to university this week, Richards-Tindle will spend his time behind bars.

Tyriq Richards-Tindle, 20, of Luton, Bedfordshire, has been jailed for 11 years for stabbing a gang rival while he was waiting at traffic lights on 8 July, 2019. (Bedfordshire Police)

“While in prison I hope he’s able to reflect on his actions. This case also highlights the risks associated with gang activity, as the victim also received nasty injuries and required several surgeries following this incident.

“To anyone involved, I would like to say: this doesn’t have to be your life, and what you’re putting at risk is far more than what you stand to gain.”

Richards-Tindle’s 11-year sentence consists of a custodial term of seven years and an extension period of four years.