Teenager is convicted of killing after officer recognised him on CCTV

An adolescent who stabbed a boxer to demise in central London has been convicted after a police officer recognised him on CCTV. 

The boy, who carried out the assault aged 16 and can’t be named for authorized causes, was arrested the day after the assault occurred. 

Boxer Khaled Saleh, 17, was attacked and stabbed in St Mary’s Churchyard, Paddington at round 1.40pm on 19 June final 12 months.

Those passing by discovered him dying from a single stab wound, as they fought to save lots of him his life. He was handled by paramedics however he later died. 

When police searched the boy’s home after an area officer recognised him within the footage, they discovered a distinctive jacket he had been seen sporting within the CCTV of the assault. 

Officers additionally searched one other tackle that the boy used and located a big knife.

Boxer Khaled Saleh, 17, was attacked and stabbed in St Mary’s Churchyard, Paddington at round 1.40pm on 19 June final 12 months

Detectives additionally discovered that {the teenager} had eliminated SIM card from his cell phone and wiped it. 

The boy, who’s now 17, tried to assert he acted in self-defence however the footage confirmed that whereas Khaled had approached him, he had not been bodily threatened earlier than producing the knife and finishing up his lethal assault.

His cousin Lena Wessan advised The Evening Standard: ‘His mom is absolutely devastated. Khaled was very caring.

‘I used to be screaming and crying in disbelief, I could not breathe, I could not discuss, my coronary heart shattered. He was a task mannequin within the household, all people appeared as much as him.’

She mentioned Khaled was at all times ‘at all times making folks snigger’ and the final time she noticed him was once they had been celebrating Eid at his mom’s home.

Khaled’s pals described him to the outlet as a ‘joker’ and liked by many. 

Following the conclusion of a trial on the Old Bailey on Thursday, {the teenager} was discovered responsible of manslaughter. 

He was remanded in custody forward of sentencing on the similar courtroom on a date to be confirmed.

Detective Inspector Ollie Stride, who led the investigation for one of many Met’s murder groups, mentioned: ‘The violence used on this assault left Khaled with little probability of survival.

Police officers on the scene of the stabbing in June final 12 months 

‘The defendant was within the park in possession of a knife when he was approached by a gaggle together with Khaled. 

‘He had many choices however selected to assault Khaled, who was unarmed, stabbing him as soon as and persevering with to assault him after he had stumbled to the ground and couldn’t defend himself. 

‘He then fled along with his two associates leaving Khaled dying on the ground whereas shocked park-goers desperately tried to save lots of his life.

‘This was a very surprising scene and one which starkly outlines the devastating penalties of carrying a knife.’

Any witnesses or anybody with data on both crime is requested to tweet @MetCC or name 101. To stay nameless contact the unbiased charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.