Zack Davies jailed for life following Lee Rigby revenge attack

A white supremacist has been jailed for life after he attempted to behead a Sikh man in a Tesco store as part of a revenge attack for the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby. Zack Davies, 26, was convicted of attempted murder at Mold Crown Court, Wales in June. On Friday, (11 September) he was told that he must serve at least 14 years behind bars.

Witness Leanne Jones told the court how Davies could be heard shouting "white power" as he attacked dentist Sarandev Bhambra with a machete at a branch of the supermarket in Mold, Flintshire, on 14 January. Another witness heard the neo-Nazi say: "Come here, this is for Lee Rigby."

Dr Bhambra, 25, said he may not have survived the attack were it not for the intervention of former soldier Peter Michael Fuller, who came to his aid and spoke to Davies, distracting him until police arrived on the scene. His left hand was almost severed in the course of the brutal assault, which left him with life-changing injuries, including major nerve, artery and tendon damage to his hand, two deep cuts to his scalp and another to his back.

During the trial, the court heard how Dr Bhambra was targeted in a racially motivated revenge attack for Rigby, who was murdered by two extremist Muslims in Woolwich, south-east London, in May 2013. Judge Rhys Rowlands said Davies had developed "extreme racist views" and had plotted to carry out a "planned and racially motivated attack" in order to gain attention.

"He attacked me from behind and tried to behead me," Dr Bhambra told reporters outside the court. "By the grace of God I remained conscious and was able to defend myself. It is abhorrent that he has claimed that he tried to kill me in Lee Rigby's honour."

The trial heard how Davies said he was he was "absolutely fascinated" with Islamic State (Isis) and had been "inspired" by Jihadi John, the Briton who was seen beheading hostages in IS videos. Items associated with Nazism and white supremacy were found at Davies' home during the course of the investigation.

Det Ch Insp Alun Oldfield from North Wales Police said: "This was a horrific attack and we are pleased with the sentence given to Davies. North Wales Police would like to commend the character and determination of Dr Bhambra and we are delighted that he is making such a good recovery. We also applaud the actions of Mr Peter Fuller, who has since been nominated for a national bravery award."