Hackney teenagers in court over bus hero stabbing

Two Hackney teenagers have appeared in court charged with stabbing a commuter who stood up to yobs abusing a pregnant woman and a pensioner on a bus.

Timothy Smits, 32, an Australian who lives in Islington, was knifed in the stomach and leg after stepping in to help the two women as they travelled on a route 488 bus between Dalston and Bromley-by-Bow on September 14.

Mr Smits, a graphic designer, made headlines at the time after refusing to blame his assailants, despite spending four days recovering in hospital.

He told how he had feared he would die but that he had no regrets, vowing to be a positive role model for young Londoners who have “completely negative past”.

He said: “I don’t know how things will affect me. But I will not stop calling Islington home – this stuff happens every – we need to find a way to stop this happening to other people.

“I don’t wish them dead and I don’t hate them. They obviously didn’t have the positive role models I had when I was growing up.

“I’m still angry, but these guys beat me physically, I don’t want them to beat me mentally too.”

Sanchez Brown, 18, of Lower Clapton Road, and Blake Mehmet, 18, whose address was recorded in court as Springfield, in Hackney, appeared at London’s Thames Magistrates’ Court, both charged with grievous bodily harm with intent to wound on Thursday (Oct 20).

Mr Brown, who was remanded in custody, was also accused of possession of an offensive weapon. Mr Mehmet was released on bail.

They will next appear in court at Snaresbrook Crown Court on January 12 next year.