Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men were convicted on Thursday, 30 November, of killing Koray Alpergin after Met homicide detectives identified their involvement through analysis of more than 1,000 hours of CCTV.

Koray, 43, was initially treated as a missing person when police were contacted on 14 October 2022 after his friend became concerned for his welfare. The next day, Koray’s body was found near to Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton and homicide detectives began an investigation.

Their enquiries resulted in the identification of a number of men involved in the kidnap of Koray from outside his home address in Enfield on 13 October. The group of men had bundled Koray into the back of a white van after he arrived home in his car.

Koray was then taken to a disused restaurant in Tottenham where he was repeatedly physically assaulted, resulting in 94 separate injuries to his body including 14 fractured ribs and a blow to the head, which caused brain damage. The pathologist who analysed his body estimated that he Koray would not have survived his injuries long after they were inflicted.

After killing him, the men then moved his body to a trading estate in Tottenham, before moving it again to Loughton.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, the lead investigator, said the case was one of the most complex his team had dealt with.

DCI Webb said: “The circumstances of Koray’s death were like something you see in a gangster movie. First he was kidnapped by a group of men in a highly organised operation that involved placing a tracker on his car. He was then taken to a disused restaurant where he was subjected to a horrific attack.

“The individuals responsible for his death were careful to cover their tracks by cleaning the restaurant and burning out cars used to move Koray’s body. However, we cracked this case through painstaking and lengthy analysis of CCTV that demonstrated the group’s collective activity and presence at key locations. We also presented detailed mobile phone records to the jury showing how they were in contact before, during and after Koray was kidnapped.

“I am pleased that these extremely violent and dangerous men have been convicted and will now be in prison for a long period of time. This should send a message to those involved in organised crime and serious violence, we will leave no stone unturned and are determined to bring them to justice.”

Anyone who knows the identity of anyone else involved or their whereabouts is asked to contact police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Conviction details of defendants are set out below. They will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 12 December.

[B] Ali Kavak, 26 (05.08.97) of De Quincey Road, Tottenham was found guilty of manslaughter, kidnap, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

[I] Tejean Kennedy, 33 (07.10.90) of Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 was found guilty of manslaughter, kidnap and false imprisonment.

[H] Steffan Gordon, 34 (09.04.89) of Dehavilland Close, Northolt had pleaded guilty to kidnap. He was found guilty of false imprisonment.

[J] Samuel Owusu-Opoku, 35 (27.05.88) of Dunbar Road, N22 had pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. He was found guilty of kidnap.

A 17-year-old boy [C] was also charged with perverting the course of justice and pleaded guilty to this.

Note: Two other men have been charged as part of the investigation and will stand trial at a later date:

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The bravery of a victim who came forward and spoke with police has led to a man being sentenced for indecent assault committed three decades ago.

On 21 April 2020, detectives received allegations of non-recent sexual abuse said to have taken place in the Camden area in the 1990s.

The victim-survivor, who was 17 years old at the time he was assaulted, informed officers that he met Reginald Dunkling – who was working as a priest – at his local church.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command immediately launched an investigation.

Having taken a full account from the victim-survivor, Dunkling was arrested on 16 June 2020 before being released on bail.

Detectives continued to make enquiries in order to build as strong a case as possible against him. On 9 September 2021, having completed their investigation, detectives charged Dunkling with indecent assault.

Detective Constable Lucy Dugdale, the investigating officer, said: “Today’s sentencing shows that we will always take this type of offending seriously, irrespective of how many years have passed. I would like to praise the victim for finding the courage to contact police; after 30 years, his voice has been heard.

“Dunkling used his status within the community to target a teenager who he then assaulted. He abused his position of trust which is wholly unacceptable.

“I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault to speak with police, or any of the charities or organisations that are available, so that they can get the support they need.”

Reginald Dunkling, 61 (24.01.62) of no fixed address was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 1 December to a 12 month community order with two requirements, a curfew for three months and a 25 hours’ rehabilitation activity requirement.

He had previously been found guilty of indecent assault on Thursday, 6 July.

+ Our website contains details of organisations that can help via: www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for 14 years after tenacious officers dismantled a drugs and firearms operation run through an encrypted communications platform, Encrochat, in South East London.

Kirk Douglas, 43 (01.07.80) of Browning Street, Southwark, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 30 November.

Between May and April in 2020, Douglas was involved in a conspiracy to supply a number firearms which included Scorpion, Uzi and Mac-10 submachine guns and several types of handguns. He had also conspired with others to supply large quantities of cocaine.

Through his criminal activity Douglas made a profit of £57,980 from this supply.

Specialist Crime officers and the Met’s Intelligence Team were able to review data and attributed the owner of the Encrochat handle ‘Lakepepper’ as Douglas in April 2021.

The team closed in on Douglas after European partners accessed an encrypted communications network called Encrochat in 2020 – passing data to them via the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Officers were able to attribute the handle to Douglas by sophisticated telephone data analysis and research into the Encrochat messages sent and received by him, which showed the large amounts of drugs and firearms involved in the case.

A subsequent warrant at his home address found a £57,980 in cash, further drugs and supporting evidence linking him to the Lakepepper handle.

Detective Inspector Jon Summers, from the Gangs and Proactive Unit, said: “Douglas arranged large-scale drug deals to make as much money as possible, with no thought of the misery and devastation he would cause in communities because of the violence it inevitably leads to.

“He traded and bought firearms to protect his organised crime network. This investigation has undoubtedly prevented deadly violence that would have seriously impacted communities.

“He believed using encrypted devices rendered him untouchable, and sought to facilitate the most violent of crimes. However, the Met is unceasing in our efforts to target and dismantle the organised criminal networks which seek to blight our streets. Ironically, the steps taken by Douglas to conceal his operation sealed his fate, presenting us with the very evidence used to convict him.

“The outstanding work by all those involved means the streets of London are a safer place. Had these weapons been purchased the consequences would have been catastrophic.”

Douglas was found guilty of the following offences at Inner London crown court on 7 September, following a two week trial.

– Conspiracy to transfer prohibited weapons, contrary to section 1(1) of the criminal law act 1977

– Conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, contrary to section 1(1) of the criminal law act 1977.

– Conspiracy to supply a class a controlled drug, contrary to section 1(1) of the criminal law act 1977

– Possessing a controlled drug of class b with intent, contrary to section 5(3) of the misuse of drugs act 1971.

– Possessing criminal property, contrary to section 329(1)(c) of the proceeds of crime act 2002.

= Op Eternal leads the way in using precise, data-led policing to target those criminals causing the most harm in London – a commitment made in the Met’s A New Met for London plan. To read more about our plans to tackle violence caused by drugs read A New Met for London.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police were appealing for assistance to help locate 12-year-old Santana who had been missing from Kensington since 25 November.

We’re pleased to report she has been found safe and well on Thursday 30 November.

Officers would like to thank the public for their commitment and involvement in locating Santana and kindly ask any images of Santana that we issued be removed from circulation.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for a spate of attacks on three women in half an hour after a group of boys followed him from the second incident, enabling police to arrest him.

Officers arrested Dylan Makepeace at the scene of one of the assaults after he had been detained by members of the public who had bravely followed him down the street.

Detective Sergeant Michael Dixon, who led the investigation for the Met’s Central East Safeguarding team, said: “Dylan Makepeace is very clearly a danger to the public and especially lone women. He was opportunistic and violent in his approach. He specifically targeted women as they returned home and entered private residential areas to carry out his attacks.

“I want to pay tribute to the bravery of these three women. They all showed incredible fortitude as they supported our investigation. I am in no doubt that London is a safer place with Dylan Makepeace behind bars.”

Dylan Makepeace, 24 (20.03.99) of Mile End Road, E1 had previously pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to the following offences:

– Two counts of assault by beating;
– Sexual assault on a female:
– Intentional strangulation;
– Section 20 grievous bodily harm.

On Thursday, 30 November, Makepeace was sentenced to five years imprisonment, with an additional three years on license.

He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

On 27 November 2022, over a 30 minute period, Makepeace assaulted three women. His spree began at about 17:30hrs when two women noticed him behaving strangely near their address on Cleveland Way, E1.

The two women became aware that Makepeace was following them into their residential block and onto their floor despite earlier asking them how to get to a different floor.

Out of concern, one of the women began briefly filming Makepeace. All of a sudden he launched an attack on the women. Both women fought back and hit out at him. After a significant struggle in which Makepeace pushed the women to the floor and pinned them to the ground, he ran off after one of the women hit him with a mobile phone. As a result of the attack, the women sustained cuts and scratches.

After the incident, the women called police to report what had happened.

About half an hour later, at around 18:00hrs, Makepeace approached a third woman walking home from the gym and entered the communal entrance of her apartment block on Cambridge Heath Road. She became aware that Makepeace was following her in.

Inside the communal block she tried to stand to the side in the hope that he would walk past rather than follow behind her. But instead of passing her, he grabbed her and put his hand over her mouth.

She tried to scream and he told her to “shut up”. She had her house key in her hand and she tried to hit him with the key. In the struggle they both fell over, he put his fingers down her throat as she tried to scream. He also hit her head hard onto the ground.

Makepeace then began calling her offensive names before sexually assaulting her by touching her over her clothing.

The woman continued to fight back and managed to hit him with her keys. Makepeace ran off when some boys on bikes appeared outside the apartment block.

A resident heard the woman’s screams and came out to help. They took her into their flat and called police.

Police arrived on scene and were flagged down by the young men on bikes who had followed Makepeace and detained him until police arrived. Officers arrested Makepeace and carried out an ID parade which linked him to the first incident.

+++

As part of our New Met for London plan we are transforming how we respond to rape and serious sexual violence and re-setting our overall approach to public protection. We’re investing hundreds more officers and staff into targeting abusers, supporting victims, and making women and girls safer in town centres, parks, streets, their own homes, relationships and online.

Our service to women and girls cannot be fixed with a single initiative or over a few weeks. We must hear what those who hold us accountable, the public, victims of crime, our partners and our staff are telling us and fundamentally reset how we prevent and police violence against them in every way possible.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An officer has been cleared of misconduct after Tasering a girl who was threatening her mother with garden shears and a hammer.

An independent panel concluded that PC Jonathan Broadhead, attached to Central South Command Unit, did not breach police standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force.

Commander Jon Savell said: “This is an extremely rare and unusual case. In the immediate days after the incident a senior officer visited the address to apologise for the trauma caused to the girl and her family. Although no misconduct has been found, we repeat this apology today.

“The panel found that PC Broadhead did not breach professional standards based on the information known to him at the time and the clear threat presented, and that he had acted in accordance with his training for the safety of all those involved.

“Tasers provide officers with the ability to de-escalate situations and protect others from harm. We welcome scrutiny around the use of Taser and are working hard to engage with communities to involve them in monitoring how we use this tactic.

“From January to October 2023, Taser has been ‘used’ over 5,300 times but only discharged on 359 occasions, a less than 7 per cent discharge rate. Every time a Taser is charged, the incident is reviewed and the officer receives an in-person debrief carried out by lead Taser instructors.

“It has been almost three years since this incident took place, which has been challenging for the PC and the family of the girl involved. Our officers expect to be held accountable for their actions but this case highlights the importance of the ongoing Home Office Accountability Review and we look forward to its findings.”

On Thursday, 21 January 2021 PC Broadhead and another officer attended an address in south London after a mother called to report her daughter was threatening her with garden shears and a hammer.

The officers met the child’s mother at the door of the property while the 10-year-old girl was inside. PC Broadhead entered the address and after instructing her to put the shears down discharged his Taser twice against the child. She was taken to hospital for treatment but did not sustain serious physical injuries.

Following a formal complaint, a voluntary referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which launched an independent investigation. The IOPC concluded that PC Broadhead should face a gross misconduct hearing. We disagreed with this finding. The IOPC then directed that a hearing should be held, and decided to present it.

The IOPC also passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS concluded there should be no further action.

Notes to editors: We currently have around 7200 officers equipped to carry Taser. Over the last four years Taser use has been reducing. In the financial year 2020-21, Taser was used 9506 times in the Met.

From January to October 2023, Taser has been used 5,314 times – of these it was fired on 359 occasions. 17 of these discharges were against people under 18.

‘Use’ encompasses seven different uses and can range from simply drawing it from the holster to firing it. Officers undergo rigorous training before they are allowed to use Taser and are required to pass an annual refresher course to ensure they remain competent in its use. Officers know and expect to be held to account for their actions.

Our public dashboard records use of force data. The dashboard is here and the coversheet explains how we record the data: https://www.met.police.uk/sd/stats-and-data/met/use-of-force-dashboard/

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have secured an eight-year prison sentence for a rapist after their investigation and DNA linked him to the 2017 offence committed in Hammersmith.

The detectives worked diligently and sensitively to secure Flores’ conviction and during the investigation they also discovered vulnerable pictures of the victim survivor, which provided additional evidence to bring him to justice.

Alejandros Quiroz Flores, 40 (12.08.83) of Marloes Road, Kensington was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on Wednesday, 29 November for rape. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The victim survivor and three witnesses attended the trial at Isleworth Crown Court where the jury returned a guilty verdict on Thursday, 13 July.

The court heard that on 13 August 2017 the victim survivor, Flores and other colleagues went for drinks in Kensington. Later, Flores took the woman back to his previous home in Hammersmith where he raped her. She awoke during the attack and told him to stop, but he continued with his attack.

She woke the following morning, having flashbacks of the attack. She told friends about the attack who advised her to contact Flores, who told her that that nothing had taken place.

She attended a Haven clinic, which are specialist centres based in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Forensic samples were taken and she gave permission for her details to be disclosed to the police if DNA was identified.

Flores’ DNA was identified from the forensic evidence.

The victim survivor has since said: “This conviction is a significant step towards justice and closure for me. It validates the pain and trauma I have endured and it means that my voice has been heard.

“The justice system worked to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions and although it cannot erase what happened, it does provide some sense of vindication and relief.

“This conviction also serves as a message that sexual assault is a crime that will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held responsible.”

She also appealed to other victim survivors to come forward to police: “To other victim survivors, I want to convey a message of encouragement and support. I understand the fear, shame, and stigma that can surround such experiences, but I also want you to know that you are not alone and your voice matters.

“Coming forward to report sexual assault is an incredibly brave and difficult step. It’s a step towards healing, towards holding perpetrators accountable, and towards preventing further harm to others. Know that there is support available, you do not have to go through this journey alone. Your courage can make a difference, not only in your own life, but in the lives of others who may be suffering in silence.

“Remember, you are stronger than you think, and your story deserves to be heard and believed. You have the right to seek justice and heal.”

Detective Sergeant Imran Khan, who led the investigation, said: “Flores took total advantage of the victim survivor who had once been his friend and colleague. I want to commend her and the witnesses for their help in convicting this man.

“We know this investigation took many years to come to a successful conclusion, I would like to thank her for her continued support and perseverance.

“Some sexual predators believe they can get away with their crimes, but this case shows they cannot, and they will be brought to justice. I would urge anyone in this position to contact police or The Havens – you will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers.”

As part of A New Met for London plan, the Met is doing more to build trust and support our London’s communities with issues that impact them the most. The Met is putting more people and focus into the team’s protecting women and children from violence and going after predatory men who commit those crimes. To read more about our plans to tackle violence against women and girls read A New Met for London.

+ If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on our website.

Details of The Haven can be found online. You can also call them on 020 3299 6900 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating after a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while on a 140 bus in Harrow have released images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Charlotte Joseph, from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “No woman or girl should face this kind of behaviour when simply trying to use public transport. I want to commend her bravery for recognising this behaviour was wrong and reporting what happened to police.

“Our investigation shows that prior to the assault on a 14-year-old the man did a similar thing to another woman. From our records, it does not appear that this was reported to police and we would encourage her to come forward. In both circumstances the man trapped the victim so she cannot move away from him and brazenly carries out his attack in broad daylight on a bus full of people.

“These are incredibly clear images and I am confident that someone would be able to identify who this is. It is really important that we speak to this man as part of our investigation.”

Both assaults took place around 08:00hrs on the 140 bus toward Harrow Weald on Wednesday, 27 September.

The 14-year-old girl was stood in the area marked out for disabled passengers near the stairs.

A man, described as being in his 50s with glasses and moustache, moved to stand near her. He trapped her and prevented her from moving. He then proceeded to touch her inappropriately twice.

The girl managed to push past him as other passengers moved to get off the bus and promptly reported him to the police.

As officers investigated, they found CCTV footage which captured the man assaulting a different woman by trapping her and touching her inappropriately before assaulting the young girl.

If you have any information that might assist police in identifying this man, or you recognise yourself in the image, then please call police on 101 and quote CAD2850/20NOV.

To remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A total of 14 men have been sentenced for their involvement in a series of linked burglaries after forensic work and mobile phone data linked them to the crimes.

The men were arrested between July and October 2021 and were charged with drug and driving related offences, conspiracy to commit burglary, and conspiracy to steal. Of the 14 men, 12 pleaded guilty and two others were found guilty during a number of court hearings at various stages.

Nine of the men were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, 27 November while the others were sentenced at various stages – they received the following:

Ellis GLYNNE (09.03.92) of Southville Close, Feltham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle x2/ conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to seven years in July 2023.

Connor MURRAY (13.11.99) of Heston Grange, Hounslow pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle x2/ conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to six years in February 2023.

Jason BRANDFORD (27.08.90) of Town Lane, Stanwell was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle and was sentenced to three years in July 2023.

Robert GREEN (21.11.79) of Almners Road, Chertsey was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle and was sentenced to three years in July 2023.

Oliver HART (14.03.92) of Warwick Avenue, Egham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle/ conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to three and a half years.

Vinothkumar RATNAM (06.07.84) of Woodhaw, Egham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and was sentenced to two years with a suspended sentence.

Perry OGLE (08.09.97) of Squirrel Close, Hounslow pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal/ conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to two years and four months.

Alfie CHANDLER (01.08.03) of Albion Road, Hounslow pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and dangerous driving causing serious injury and was sentenced to three years.

Tommy HUTCHINSON (07.03.03) of Hatchett Road, Feltham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, and malicious communications and was sentenced to two years.

Ryan CRAFTS (16.01.93) of Ashville Way, Wokingham pleaded guilty to theft and handling stolen goods and was sentenced to 18 months with a suspended two year sentence.

Sean McENEANEY (29.06.90) of Sparrow Farm Drive, Feltham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to 20 months.

Charlie KAVANAGH (06.09.94) of Queens Walk, Ashford, Surrey pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to eight months.

Edward ATKINS (07.06.87) of St Johns Road, Feltham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and was sentenced to 15 months with a two year suspended sentence.

Jack FOLEY (24.12.96) Magna Road, Egham pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and was sentenced to nine months in November 2022.

Detective Sergeant William Man from the Met’s Flying Squad led the investigation and said: “These men thought they were above the law and believed they could get away with their crimes.

“They were extremely organised and determined but our team worked incredibly hard to identify all those involved and gather such compelling evidence against them that they had no choice but to plead guilty.

“I am pleased that justice has been served and that people in London can feel safer knowing that this group is no longer a threat.”

On Thursday 6 February 2020 at 00:17 hours, Glynne, Murray, Smallworth, Green and Brandford attempted to steal an ATM machine from a convenience store on London Road, Brentford.

They attempted to pull the machine out of the shop by tying a rope to their van, which was parked outside, and driving away. Their attempt failed and they were interrupted by police but managed to flee the scene in an Audi car.

The van was left outside the shop, as was a power tool they had used as part of the burglary. An urgent forensic examination found that DNA on the tool leading detectives to identify one of the suspects.

The first arrest was the breakthrough officers needed and following detailed phone cell data search, detectives were led to the other suspects. They were found to be in contact with each other during the preparation of the burglary, but attempted to avoid detection by switching their phones off or not taking them during offences.

This data, paired with a rigorous CCTV investigation, showed officers that the white van and the Audi were both travelling towards Brentford on the night of the 6 February 2020.

The investigation into the group also linked them to the theft of multiple high value vehicles in West London between January and July 2021. CCTV and footage from doorbells revealed that the group would use high tech devices to carry out their offences, using signals that duplicate a car key. Across this period they carried out 14 thefts of vehicles including Range Rovers and BMW cars.

= The Met recognises the impact that motor vehicle crime can have on victims, especially those who rely on vehicles for either means of employment or the routine of daily life.

Any allegation of crime reported to the police will be assessed to see if there are any viable lines of enquiry including forensic opportunities that can be progressed.

There are several measures that motorists can take to protect their vehicles and their contents such as fitting a steering lock which can act as a visible deterrent and removing valuables or ensuring they are not left on display.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A gunman who tenacious Met detectives identified and extradited from St Lucia to face justice at the Old Bailey has been convicted of murder.

Chase Griffith, 22, (24.05.01) of Ashfield Parade, N14 was found guilty of the murder of 28-year-old Sam Brown at the conclusion of the trial on [insert date].

Griffith had been extradited from Saint Lucia having fled there following the murder.

He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey – date awaits.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen who led the investigation said: “This conviction brings an end to a long and painstaking investigation by officers from the Met assisted by colleagues at the National Crime Agency. I am very grateful for their assistance with the extradition of Griffith.

“Sam Brown was gunned down in the street by Chase Griffith in an act of perceived revenge following a stabbing that had taken place earlier that night.

“Griffith then fled the country to Saint Lucia, while Sam’s family grieved his brutal murder.

“Thanks to diligent detective work, using CCTV and other forensic evidence, a watertight case was built against Griffith allowing his arrest and extradition back to the UK to face justice.

“Sam’s family are very much in my thoughts today. I once again wish to express my deepest sympathy to them.”

In a statement, Sam’s family said: “We will never have any closure to what actually happened to our son that night. We all have to move on with our lives as we know that’s what Sam would want us to do. He will always be our angel and never forgotten.”

The court heard how Griffith and Sam attended a party in Cheney Row Park, Walthamstow on the night of Saturday, 23 July 2022. Around 150 people were present.

In the early hours of 24 July a man received a stab wound and was taken to hospital for treatment. In the aftermath of the stabbing, Griffith produced a firearm and, believing Sam was in some way responsible, shot him in the street.

Sam staggered into his car and managed to drive a short distance before losing consciousness – he was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.

Griffith fled the scene and travelled to the Southgate area. After arriving home he disposed of a distinctive tracksuit he was wearing in an attempt to cover his tracks.

On 27 July Griffith boarded a flight to Saint Lucia from Gatwick Airport. When he arrived at the airport, Griffith had changed his appearance including cutting his distinctive hairstyle. He remained in Saint Lucia until he returned to the same airport on 8 December after being extradited.

DCI Allen added: “This was a challenging investigation. Although numerous people were at this gathering and many witnessed Griffith shooting Sam, people were reluctant to come forward and speak to police.

“However, through forensic CCTV analysis and meticulous investigative work using mobile phone data, we were able to conclusively prove Griffith was the person responsible for this murder. I am pleased that the hard work of the investigating team has paid off and a dangerous individual has been held to account for this callous murder.”