Brothers Sentenced After Teen Stabbed During Royal British Legion Fight

Gary (L) & Lee (R) Warren

Two brothers have been sentenced after a teen was slashed with a knife the older of the two brought to a fight outside a Royal British Legion in the outskirts of east London.

The victim, eighteen year-old Ryan O'Donnell, received life-saving treatment from his friend, a trainee paramedic, after the blade severed an artery in his neck.

Gary Warren, 48, of Jaywick Lane, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex received 12 years imprisonment after being convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

Lee Warren, 40, of Lowshoe Road, Collier Row, Havering received 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years after pleading guilty to affray.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Lee started a fight with a group attending a 21^st birthday party at the club in Collier Row, near Romford on July 9, last year.

Ryan O'Donnell's Neck Wound

He phoned brother Gary for help and he arrived armed with a knife and within seconds had stabbed the victim.

Mr. O'Donnell said: "This was an extremely scary experience. I was just lucky to have a very calm and smart friend who saved my life.

“It is a positive result from court and I would like to thank the police for the professionalism shown throughout this investigation.”

Acting Detective Sergeant Ben McNish, who led the investigation, said: “This conviction sends a powerful message to those who choose to carry knives on the streets of London, and makes everyone aware of the consequences of such actions.

“I hope that the lengthy sentence handed out to Gary Warren gives some comfort to the victim and his family.

“The victim was present through the whole trial and conducted himself with dignity and bravery.

“This conviction was the product of exceptional detective work by my team and has ended in two violent men being convicted.”