Jail for knife attackers of teenager at Middlesbrough bus station

Samura Mahdi attempted to murder an 18-year-old man who had been protecting his girlfriend.

Shortly after 5pm on Monday 20 November 2023, Mahdi, aged 18, was with Mohammed Geravandian, aged 21, when the pair walked over to the victim and the 17-year-old girl as they waited inside the bus station.

As they approach the couple, wearing dark clothing and their hoods up to try and disguise themselves, Mahdi is captured on CCTV holding a knife at the side of his body.

When Geravandian, of Dawley Close in Thornaby, is seen by the victim placing both his hands on to his waistband, the 18-year-old lunges towards him and punches his face, and a fight breaks out between them.

At the same time, Mahdi points the knife stabbing the teenager and causing him to fall to the floor.

While Geravandian flees the scene, Mahdi then turns his attention to the girl and as he runs towards her with the knife, her boyfriend intervenes and is subsequently stabbed numerous times.

His attacker then makes his escape by running through the bus station as members of the public waited to get public transport.

Footage played to the court showed the victim removing his jacket and noticing he had been severely injured.

Police swiftly arrived at the scene to a large crowd gathered around him and members of the public providing immediate first aid.

Paramedics transported the boy to James Cook University Hospital where he was treated for seven stab wounds and was in a life-threatening condition.

An investigation began to review CCTV footage, obtain statements from a large number of witnesses and identify the attackers.

Those enquiries led to Geravandian being arrested at his home address on Dawley Close in Thornaby and Mahdi detained at his property on Nut Lane in Middesbrough. Both were taken to custody for questioning and were charged with attempted murder.

Following a nine-day trial at Teesside Crown Court a jury found the pair guilty of attempted murder.

On Tuesday 8 October Mahdi was sentenced to 24 years and Geravandian and was sentenced to 24 years and nine months for failing to provide police with the PIN number to his phone.

Detective Inspector Chris Pringle, from Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This was a premeditated attack to murder a teenage boy and his girlfriend.

“The pair concealed their identity before brazenly walking into a busy bus station to commit violence in front of numerous members of the public.

“To try and protect himself as well as his girlfriend, the victim fought the attackers, however he was struck numerous times. His bravery in that moment meant they were both lucky to have survived but will live with the trauma of what took place that day for a long time. 

“We also have a teenager and a young man going to prison for a long time and that should serve as a stark reminder that no good can come from carrying a knife. Not only is it illegal and you could be jailed if found in possession of one – but it can have tragic consequences that could cause serious harm including the loss of life.”

Cleveland Police’s prevention campaign ‘Carrying a Blade doesn’t give you an Edge’ raises awareness of the dangers associated with knives or blades. It also provides help and support to young people who are scared or feel pressured to carry a knife. Visit our website to find out more about the campaign.