Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man has been jailed for life following his conviction for the murder of teenager Kacem Mokrane in east London.
Christopher Wilson, 23 (24.07.01) of Templar Drive, SE28 was sentenced on Thursday, 27 February. He will serve a minimum of 16 years.
Wilson was found guilty on 12 December 2024 following a retrial at the Old Bailey.
Kacem’s family said: “There are no words to express the unimaginable grief that we have suffered. The manner in which Kacem was murdered, has had a life changing impact on our family.
“We will never share another meal with Kacem or watch him achieve his dreams. His caring and funny personality will only be a painful memory to us all.
“As a family we have discussed the topic of ‘forgiveness’. We consider that the actions of Christopher Wilson, his lack of remorse and the cowardice he has shown by denying his guilt do not deserve our forgiveness. The family do not feel that there should be any alternative to Christopher Wilson’s punishment other than a lengthy custodial sentence. He is a dangerous individual and should be taken off the streets for as long as is legally possible.
“We will be eternally grateful for the persistence and commitment of the police and legal team. In seeking justice for the murder of Kacem they have demonstrated extreme professionalism, compassion and often great patience towards our family.”
Kacem, who was 18 years old, was killed on 16 November 2017 as part of an ongoing feud between two rival east London gangs.
Wilson is the fifth person to be convicted of Kacem’s murder, with four others convicted in June 2023.
On the night of the murder, police were called at around 23:15hrs to Mount Pleasant Road in Walthamstow to reports of an altercation and a group of males armed with weapons including knives, machetes and swords. Kacem was ambushed by the group, who stabbed him at least twice, before fleeing from the scene.
Kacem was taken to Royal London Hospital where he received emergency surgery. Sadly, following complications, he died in hospital on 20 November 2017.
A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as multi-organ failure caused by hypovolemic shock and complications arising from a stab wound to the abdomen.
Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Kacem’s family have waited seven-and-a-half years for this moment. They have had to relive the events of that day but today we have witnessed the jailing of a fifth person in connection with the murder.
“This was a complex investigation involving a number of crimes that were linked.
“Wilson’s conviction and sentencing should act as stark reminder to anyone who is involved in this level of violence that we will continue to search for you in order that you can be put before the courts.”
+ In June 2023, Hamza Ul-Haq, Luca Griffiths, Abdirisak Ali, and Kamil Kazmierski were all jailed for Kacem’s murder.