A teenager who stabbed a 15 year-old boy to death was caged for seventeen years today (Monday) after youths broke a code of silence that stalled the police investigation into the brutal street attack.
Chris Mazekelua, 17, was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Steven Lewis (pictured) who he stabbed in the chest during a disturbance involving hundreds of youngsters.
He was attacked by a gang from a rival postcode as he left a charity event aimed at tackling youth violence and died in his 16 year-old sister Tanya's arms as his 13 year-old brother looked on.
Witnesses said the gang, who were armed and 'looking for trouble' had issued death threats to the victim over the last four months.
Hundreds of youngsters spilled out of St. Cedd's hall, next to St. Philip's and St. James's Church when trouble broke out.
Steven had been stabbed in October by the gang from the neighbouring Custom House area.
Police on patrol in Whitwell Road, Plaistow, East London, on January 24 saw a large group of youths at 10.45 pm.
They fled the area, leaving Steven dying in the street.
He was pronounced dead just over an hour later at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Clayman, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said:"This investigation has once again highlighted a willingness for some young people to arm themselves with weapons and in this case, to use them with fatal consequences.
“A number of knives, including a machete, were found discarded in and around the scene after the police had arrived.
“This only reinforces the need for a robust response by the MPS when tackling those who choose to carry such weapons.
"This inquiry was hampered at an early stage by a significant lack of co-operation by more than 300 young people who were present at the scene and who were clearly influenced by a 'don't snitch' culture.
“Many refused to speak to the police and many of those who did were simply not prepared to provide any evidence.
“This resulted in those that had initially been arrested having to be bailed.
“In this case, public support through witness evidence was paramount due to other factors, such as forensic evidence being minimal.
“Fortunately, a small number of people were brave enough to come forward and provide evidence and it is as a result of their efforts, along with a dedicated investigation team, that convictions have been secured.
"This only reinforces the need for communities, particularly its younger members, to have the confidence and trust to speak to the police, to see tackling violent crime as their business and that the police can deal with their issues.
"I would like to thank all those who supported this investigation and our thoughts go out to Steven's family at this time.
No comments:
Post a Comment