An axe-man who killed a drug-dealer associate – striking the victim over the back of the head with the weapon – and later confessing the crime to his girlfriend has been caged for nine years.
Iraklis Malamas, 33, of Camden Road, Holloway, visited Tony Pounal, 51, on New Year’s Eve, 2007, and used the fearsome weapon when a dispute broke out.
Malamas (pic. l.) was cleared of murdering Pounal (pic. r.), at his flat in Selden Walk, Andover Estate, Holloway, but was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of manslaughter.
Police believe the pair hatched a plan to distribute £25,000 in counterfeit notes amongst drug dealers and Malamas killed so he could keep all the cash.
The jury heard that Malamas, who was an associate of Pounal’s, went to his flat on December 31, 2007, where he hit him over the back of the head with an axe and then covered him with a blanket and continued to beat him.
The body lay undiscovered until a concerned neighbour called police on January 21 and officers found Pounal in his bedroom covered in rugs and blankets.
Malamas was arrested on February 5, 2008, in Holloway in connection with the murder and later released on police bail whilst enquiries continued.
Whilst on police bail Malamas confessed the killing to his girlfriend and gave her details of what he had done and how.
The woman tipped-off the investigation team, naming Malamas as the killer, providing the police with sufficient evidence to charge him.
Malamas was charged with the murder on the July 25, 2008.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers said: "This case shows that with the support of witnesses those who are responsible for the worst crimes can be brought to account."
"The witnesses, particularly those who Malamas confessed his crime to, should be proud that they have had the courage to come forward and ensure that a brutal killer has been put in prison."
"Whilst Anthony Pounal was a drug user and drug dealer he did not deserve to die.
“I am grateful the court have considered the evidence presented to them over the course of the trial and held Malamas to account"
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