Drug dealer jailed after stabbing man at barbecue

Hayden Brooks "tried to manipulate the justice system" after the attack, police said

A man who ran drugs lines selling heroin and cocaine while on bail for stabbing a stranger has been jailed for 15 years.

Hayden Brooks, 24, of Wavell Gardens, Slough, seriously injured a man who intervened in a row at a barbecue in July 2021, police said.

The victim supported the court case despite being offered bribes, police said.

Brooks previously admitted charges including drug dealing and perverting the course of justice and was found guilty at Reading Crown Court of wounding with intent.

Police said the defendant arrived at the barbecue in Conniston Crescent on the night of 21 July with blood on his tracksuit and holding a knife.

When a fight broke out involving several people, he stabbed a man in the chest, causing a collapsed lung and a fractured rib, detectives said.

The victim was airlifted to hospital and remains traumatised by his ordeal, police added.

Brooks accused someone else of carrying out the attack, supported by three other people who were also convicted of making false statements, according to police.

He was convicted of six charges including wounding, perverting the course of justice, supplying heroin and crack cocaine and possessing a blade and criminal property.

Det Con Patrycja Lesiakowska said: "Hayden Brooks committed a violent attack on a stranger and tried to manipulate the justice system.

"This case was only possible thanks to the bravery and determination of the victim, who has remained steadfast throughout with his support, despite pressure and bribes from the offenders."

Det Con Wayne Plowright added: "Brooks continued his criminal activity even while on bail for stabbing someone.

"Our searches of his possessions found weapons, a stab vest, cash and phones used to organise the drugs line and drug-dealing paraphernalia."