A maintenance worker who unleashed a horrifying attack on three of his colleagues with a pickaxe in a violent hospital rampage has been found guilty of attempted murder, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
Matteo Bottarelli’s ruthless assault resulted in a lifelong brain injury for Trevor MacGuire, one of his victims, after a chilling pursuit around the grounds of Central Middlesex Hospital in north-west London on January 21.
In a frenzied act of violence, Bottarelli also stabbed another colleague, Gideon Tesfay, in the neck from behind with a scalpel, and attempted to inflict harm on a third man, Mark Quigley. The severity of the attack prompted the evacuation of the hospital, with Bottarelli subsequently apprehended by armed police shortly thereafter.
During proceedings at the Old Bailey, Bottarelli pleaded guilty to lesser charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but these pleas were not accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Despite denying the charges of attempted murder in connection with Mr. MacGuire and Mr. Tesfay, Bottarelli was ultimately convicted by a jury at Wood Green Crown Court. Additionally, he was found guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr. Quigley, and had previously admitted charges of affray and possession of an offensive weapon.
Following the verdict, Mr. MacGuire expressed the profound impact of the attack, stating, “There are many things that I cannot do as a result of the injuries caused by this attack. So many things have been taken away from me and my family, but I try not to dwell on them too much.” He extended gratitude to the Metropolitan Police for their support throughout the ordeal.
His wife, Dawn MacGuire, lamented the lasting trauma inflicted by Bottarelli’s refusal to acknowledge guilt, emphasizing the enduring impact on their family.
The court learned that alongside the pickaxe, authorities recovered several knives and scalpels from Bottarelli’s residence in Central Way, Brent.
Bottarelli is scheduled for sentencing at the same court on April 30, marking a pivotal juncture in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Matthew Claxson, representing Mr. MacGuire, described the incident as “tragic” and underscored the irreparable physical and emotional damage inflicted by Bottarelli’s actions. However, he noted that the forthcoming sentencing offers a measure of closure for the MacGuire family, signaling the culmination of the criminal process.
