Maliki Sharma, 18, collapsed and died after being stabbed near his left armpit on a busy West London high street, in what prosecutors describe as a “revenge attack” fuelled by online humiliation. The incident occurred in Feltham on January 12, 2026, and is the subject of an ongoing trial at the Old Bailey.
Attack in the Midst of the Public
Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court that the stabbing was the culmination of a “feud” between two rival groups of youths, with the violence erupting “in the middle of the busy High Street whilst in the midst of several members of the public.” The attack, she said, involved “serious and armed violence” between the two sides.
The first defendant, a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly used a knife to stab Mr Sharma just near his left armpit. The wound partially transected an important artery, leading to Mr Sharma’s collapse and death shortly after the incident.
Sequence of Events Over Three Days
The court heard that the violence spanned three days in January 2026. On Saturday, January 10, one of the defendants and his brother were attacked in Feltham High Street by members of the rival group. The incident was recorded on mobile phones and posted on social media, which the prosecution says added “insult to injury” as the brothers were not only beaten but also humiliated online.
Ms Farrelly said: “That, it seems, literally added insult to injury, as not only had (the two brothers) been beaten during this incident, they were also being humiliated about it afterwards by these posts online.” The defendants then plotted revenge, with the prosecution alleging they intended to “hunt down and attack those who were involved in the violence” and inflict “really serious harm” using knives.
Masks, Hoods, and a Surprise Attack
On Sunday, January 11, the three defendants wore masks and hoods and travelled to the scene of the previous day’s attack to look for those responsible. They resumed the search the following day, again in masks and hoods, with one allegedly armed with a knife. When two of them went back intent on “wreaking revenge,” Mr Sharma and another member of the rival group sprung a surprise knife attack on them, jurors heard.
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The first defendant, who admits having a bladed article, is alone charged with Mr Sharma’s murder. He is also charged with violent disorder along with the second defendant. All three youths have denied the charges against them.
The trial at the Old Bailey continues.
