GANG crime in Southend is and will continue to be tackled, says detective after the teenage brother of a convicted murderer was jailed for 14 years. 

Tahmid Alam celebrated his 19th birthday in court as the jury found him guilty of the attack in Westcliff this year.

The jury unanimously found Alam guilty of wouding Glen Lashley with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of an offensive weapon, before judge Samantha Leigh sent him down for 14 years at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Detective Constable Simon Laurie, the investigating officer in the case, said the police were committed to prosecuting those involved in gang-related violence. 

He said the jury, after seeing CCTV of the attack, reached the correct verdict and was pleased to see Tahmid Alam given an extended sentence.

DC Laurie said: “I am very satisfied that the jury has reached the correct verdict.

“Tahmid Alam launched a frenzied attack in broad day light on the streets of Southend after the victim’s car was rammed off the road.

“Essex Police will not tolerate crime gangs acting with a blatant disregard for the law on our streets and we do everything in our power to pursue and prosecute these individuals.

“I would like to thank the witnesses and victim in this case for showing great bravery during the course of the trial.

“The lasting effects on many of those involved in this incident will live with them for the rest of their lives.”

Former Futures College pupil Alam was the passenger in a car that deliberately rammed Mr Lashley’s vehicle at the junction of Hamlet Court Road and West Road at around 5pm on Tuesday, June 16.

He and the driver then got out of the car, raced towards the victim and, leaning through his open window, stabbed Mr Lashley in the chest.

Judge Leigh said: “This was a group attack with significant pre-planning and pre-meditation. There was a clear desire and design to cause as much injury as possible.

“It is quite clear to me that for someone who is as young as you are, that has convictions of robbery and violence, that you are dangerous and pose a serious risk.”

Just weeks before the attack Alam had been on trial for the murder of Hassan Mohammed Ibrahim in York Road last July.

He, along with four others, were acquitted but his brother, Tajwar, also 19, was found guilty and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in jail.

Judge Leigh added: “This was a revenge attack and a clear message to anyone giving evidence against you or your family that it was unacceptable.

“Retribution was the order of the day.”

It is believed that the two passengers in Mr Lashley’s car were relations to or were directly involved in the murder trial, but the victim was not.

Judge Leigh added: “He did not know you and you did not know him, he is a completely innocent person.”

Alam of Roseville Road, Hayes, has previously served a custodial sentence and has convictions for robbery with a knife, another robbery, two assaults with attempt to rob, possession of a knife, possession of drugs, possession with intent to supply class B drugs and modifying an imitation firearm.

He will serve ten years of his sentence in custody before a further four out on licence, although he can be considered for release after two thirds of his ten years.

A second man was arrested and charged in connection to the incident but was later released because of a lack of evidence.