Daniel Anjorin’s killer sentenced to life with a 40-year minimum for the sword attack that shocked Hainault. Family vows to honour his memory

Daniel Anjorin murder verdict has resulted in a life sentence for Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37, who killed the 14-year-old in a horrific sword attack in Hainault, east London.

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The sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday brought a measure of justice to a family devastated by what the judge described as “wicked” violence. Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian dual national, will serve a minimum of 40 years before being eligible for parole.

The court heard how Daniel, a gifted pupil on his way to school in his PE kit, was set upon by Monzo during a 20-minute rampage on the morning of 30 April 2024.

Monzo, fuelled by self-induced cannabis psychosis, had earlier rammed his van into another pedestrian before attacking Daniel with a 60-centimetre samurai sword.

Daniel died at the scene. His father, Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, told the court how he found his son lying in a pool of blood with deep wounds to his face and neck. “I knew instantly he was gone,” he said in a harrowing victim impact statement.

The judge, Mr Justice Bennathan, described the crime as one that “devastated a peaceful, busy morning,” adding that the Anjorin family’s statement was “so heartbreaking” it was difficult to read aloud in court.

Monzo was convicted on seven counts, including Daniel’s murder, three attempted murders, grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of an offensive weapon.

His victims included a family attacked in their home in front of their young child, and two police officers—PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield and Inspector Moloy Campbell—both left with serious injuries.

Inspector Campbell described his confrontation with Monzo as a “him or me” moment, recounting how he later felt he had failed when he learnt of Daniel’s death.

PC Mechem-Whitfield received life-altering injuries during the incident, described by the prosecution as a moment of “extraordinary courage.”

Monzo’s defence argued diminished responsibility due to psychosis. However, the Crown Prosecution Service maintained his condition was the result of prolonged cannabis misuse and extremist online content.

“The CPS maintained throughout that Arduini-Monzo’s mental state was driven by his own cannabis misuse,” said CPS prosecutor Kirsty O’Connor.

The court also heard disturbing evidence of Monzo’s descent into delusion. He had killed and skinned his own cat, claiming the pet controlled him, and consumed far-right content online including materials praising Adolf Hitler.

Witnesses reported him “screaming in delight” after attacking Daniel, likening the scene to a violent film.

Outside the courtroom, Daniel’s family described him as “gifted academically, kind, and with a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.”

In a powerful tribute, they said: “Daniel was taken from us in a way no family should ever have to endure… we will honour his memory not in the shadow of this tragedy, but through the love and happiness that he brought to us and all those who knew him.”

They also expressed gratitude to the police, Crown prosecutors, their church, friends, and strangers whose support they called “a lifeline” during their grief.

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Monzo must now serve at least 38 years and 309 days before he can be considered for parole. For the Anjorin family and many across London, the sentence offers justice but no consolation for a young life stolen in such a cruel and violent manner.