Key Points
- Anthony Williams stands trial at Cambridge Crown Court denying attempted murder charges involving 10 people on an LNER train, three individuals in Peterborough, and a 17-year-old boy in London.
- Judge Mr Justice Calver told the jury that the physical execution of the attacks is not disputed, leaving intent to kill as the core question for the court.
- Legal correspondents reported that the court listened to testimony showing Williams suffered from schizophrenia and psychosis while exhibiting signs of responding to internal voices.
- Police constable Caitlin Brown told the court that Williams laughed to himself, mentioned the devil and evil, and asked officers “do you think it was worth it” during his transport to custody.
- The Cambridge Crown Court trial proceeds with further examination of custody records and the defendant’s mental state.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) November 11, 2026 — As reported by ITV News, a knifeman who carried out a mass stabbing attack on a train was noted as suffering from schizophrenia and hearing voices, a court has been told.
Anthony Williams stands trial at Cambridge Crown Court, where he denies multiple counts of attempted murder. The legal proceedings focus closely on the defendant’s mental health status during a wave of violent incidents spanning multiple locations.
What Did Cambridge Crown Court Hear About the Defendant’s Mental Health?
As reported by regional news services including Bauer Media’s Greatest Hits Radio, defense and prosecution teams examined detailed custody logs and police statements regarding Williams’ psychological condition.
As reported by legal representatives in court, custody records indicated that a healthcare worker noted Williams “appeared to be responding to voices”. When asked if he was hearing voices, Williams reportedly laughed, smiled, and stated they were saying “lots of things”.
Further testimony revealed that custody staff were informed the defendant suffered from psychosis and took medication. As reported by news journalists covering the trial, booking officer Mr Cox confirmed under questioning that arresting officers informed him Williams suffered from schizophrenia.
However, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC pointed out that the custody form ticked “no” when asked if the detainee had difficulties understanding or communicating effectively.
“Do you think it was worth it?”
— Anthony Williams, as quoted by PC Caitlin Brown during transport to custody.
How Did Police Describe the Defendant’s Behaviour After Arrest?
As reported by ITV News correspondent staff, PC Caitlin Brown gave direct testimony regarding her interactions with Williams immediately following his apprehension. PC Brown stated that she heard Williams “talking about the devil and the word evil” while inside a police vehicle being driven to custody. She noted that he appeared to be talking to himself and laughing at points during the journey.
When officers checked on his well-being, Williams allegedly responded by calling his situation “excellent”. PC Brown further testified that upon arrival at the custody suite, Williams leaned forward and posed a direct question to officers.
“I’ve been stabbed in the head, there’s a man who’s gone berserk on a train.”
— Scott Bletcher, recounting his 999 call from the LNER service.
What Are the Specific Charges Against the Defendant?
As detailed by Judge Mr Justice Calver to the jurors at Cambridge Crown Court, the primary question for the court is not whether Williams carried out the physical attacks, but whether he possessed the specific intent to kill. Williams denies attempting to murder 10 individuals aboard an LNER train that was halted at Huntingdon.
In addition to the LNER train incident, Williams denies the attempted murders of three people in Peterborough on October 31 and the attack on a 17-year-old boy at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London during the early hours of November 1. The trial continues as legal arguments and evidence regarding his mental capacity proceed.
Background of the Particular Development
The legal proceedings at Cambridge Crown Court stem from a series of high-profile violent incidents that occurred across multiple transport networks in late 2025.
The core events unfolded on an LNER train service traveling toward London, which was abruptly forced to stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire following passenger distress and emergency calls.
Subsequent police investigations linked the suspect to multiple violent episodes, including incidents in Peterborough and at a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in London.
Public transport security and mental health response protocols became subjects of intense public scrutiny following the attacks, leading to rigorous examination within the British legal system regarding how acute psychiatric episodes are managed and evaluated during criminal trials.
Prediction
This trial’s unfolding revelations concerning severe mental illness and medical logs could significantly influence legal interpretations surrounding diminished responsibility and intent in UK criminal cases involving public violence.
For regular commuters, transport staff, and railway security personnel, the detailed examination of psychiatric history highlights ongoing anxieties regarding passenger safety and the early identification of individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
If the defense successfully demonstrates that severe schizophrenic episodes impaired the defendant’s ability to form clear intent, it may reignite broader national debates among legal experts, healthcare providers, and policymakers regarding how the justice system balances criminal accountability with specialized psychiatric intervention.
