Beatles songs just as violent as drill lyrics, jurors told

DRILL lyrics blamed for glorifying knife crime are no more violent than the songs of The Beatles, jurors at a murder trial were told.

Kamali Gabbindon-Lynck (pictured), 19, was stabbed to death by members of a north London gang known as the NPK at the Coffee and Cream Hairdressers in Wood Green, the court heard. His friend, 20-year-old Jason Fraser, was stabbed eight times and shot once but survived the attack on February 22 this year.

Tyrell Graham, 18, of Leyton, plus a 20-year-old from Tottenham, a 17-year-old from Tottenham, a 16-year-old from Wood Green and another 16-year-old from Edmonton – unnamed for legal reasons – deny murder and the attempted murder of Mr Fraser. The 20-year-old also denies possession of a handgun with intent to endanger life and one 16-year-old denies possession of a knife.

Both victims had links to a

Wood Green-based gang called WGM. Prosecutors claim the killers published a music video of themselves ‘bragging’ about their violence after the murder. But John Cooper, defending the 17-year-old, criticised the case against his client as a ‘cosy, clean, Midsomer Murders-style’ treatment of the facts. Mr Cooper quoted The Beatles’ lyrics from Run For Your Life: ‘I’d rather see you dead little girl than be with another man.’ He added: ‘This is not a drill artist – this is Paul McCartney and John Lennon from The Beatles. It is an utter, utter red herring. Drill might not be our cup of tea. But it is as indicative of violence as McCartney and Lennon.’

He also cited lyrics from Midnight Rambler by the Rolling Stones – ‘I’ll stick my knife down your throat baby and it hurts.’

Drill music is a style of hip-hop rap known for its violent, dark lyrics.

The trial continues.

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