Party Gate-Crash Murder: Two Caged

Two teenage gang members, who were part of a murderous pack that chased and fatally stabbed an alleged party gate-crasher in the back, have been caged.

Thomas Overton, 18, (pic.top) suffered multiple stab wounds – influding a fatal wound through the heart - in Skeltons Lane, Leyton, east London in the early hours of August 19, last year.

Knifeman Ahmed Ahmed, 17, (pic.mid.) who inflicted the fatal blow was convicted of murder by an Old Bailey jury and must serve a minimum of fifteen years before he is considered for parole.

Kondwani Phiri, 18, (pic.bottom) of Field Point, Station Road, Forest Gate was convicted of violent disorder and sentenced to three-and-a-half years.

Police were called at approximately 4:05am following reports of a fight and a man stabbed.


Officers and paramedics attended to find Thomas suffering multiple stable wounds and he was pronounced dead close to the scene.

The court heard that on the night on Saturday, August 18, last year a surprise 16th birthday party was taking place at an address in Colchester Road Leyton, believed to have been attended by in excess of 100 youths.



A precise motive behind Thomas's death has never been established, but it is thought that Thomas and the group he was with may have attempted to gate-crash the party.

This led to a confrontation with another group there - containing Ahmed and others - and resulted in Thomas and his group running from the address.



Ahmed and his group had armed themselves with weapons such as sticks and bricks, and after chasing Thomas's group through several streets caught up with them in Skeltons Lane.

It was there that Ahmed stabbed Thomas.



Thomas was helped away from his attacker by his brother who managed to get him home in nearby Beaumont Road before he died.



Ahmed was arrested at the party in Colchester Road after matching a description given of the suspect.

The moment Thomas was stabbed was clearly captured on CCTV and provided compelling evidence against Ahmed, who remained in custody until he was charged three days later.



Whilst it is believed only Ahmed stabbed Thomas, it is thought that combined, the two groups (the murderer's and Thomas's) totalled more that 30 individuals.

Many could not be identified or traced and many did not come forward as witnesses.



Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who led the investigation said: "This is a tragic case whereby a surprise sixteenth birthday party turned from celebration to despair.


"A number of uninvited young people became aware of the party through social media, with the loud music also proving to be a magnet for local youths.

“Minor disagreements which included who was allowed or not allowed into the party escalated into a running street battle. 



"Thomas Overton, while fleeing from a large pack of chasing youths, was repeatedly stabbed, mainly in his back.

“He was to stagger the short distance to his home where he collapsed and died in front of his family. 



"The young men sentenced are involved in gang culture, whereby the use and possession of a knife is accepted within their circles.

“This is contrary to overwhelming condemnation from the public. 



"The young people convicted have not only devastated a grieving family, they have left a profound scar on their own families.

“This case is a sad example of gang and knife culture amongst our youth ending in misery for all concerned."