A teenager has been sentenced to life in prison after murdering a father-of-three who confronted youths outside his home for shouting abuse at his daughter.
James Markham, 45, was stabbed three times with a large knife by the boy who was banned from the area by a criminal behaviour order which he had flouted multiple times before.
Mr Markham had grabbed a drill bit and confronted the group of youths in an area that was a hot-spot for anti-social behaviour, the Old Bailey heard.
The perpetrator brandished a knife and the duo began swinging at each other before Mr Markham was struck multiple times with the blade.
The father-of-three died at the scene in Chingford, east London, despite receiving emergency CPR from medics. The boy, who was aged 14 at the time of the offence and is now 15, sprinted away from the area but dropped his phone.
He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and made no comment at interviews.
A Metropolitan police spokesman said: “A member of James‘s family saw a dispute but her view was restricted and she hadn’t realised it was James who the teenagers were arguing with.
“James had approached the group with a drill bit in an apparent attempt to scare them off.
“One of the group advanced, armed with a knife, and the pair began swinging at each other.
“James was struck three times - in the back, armpit and chest. The latter injury pierced his lung and would prove fatal.
“A member of the public who had tried to intervene came to James‘s aid as the teenager and the rest of the group fled the scene.
“James‘s frantic family rushed down from their home to try to help him.”
At the Old Bailey the boy showed no emotion as he was convicted by the jury after six-and-a-half hours of deliberation.
Judge John Hillen said: “The jury have found you guilty of murder. The only sentence that can be passed in those circumstances is a life sentence.”
The judge added: “It is quite clear that this young man, this child... is someone who is out of control, who has been out of control for a considerable time.”
Detective Inspector John Marriot said Mr Markham was a “loving family man” who has left behind a partner and three children.
He added: “That day they were met with a horrific scenario that no family should have to endure. I hope this conviction will provide them with some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve James.
“The teenager in this incident was subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order and should never have been in the area. He had flouted it on a number of occasions.
“The knife he used was never recovered, indicating he went to some lengths to try to distance himself from this horrific crime.
“But my team worked to collate a wealth of witness, CCTV and forensic evidence proving his guilt. He will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars.
“I’d like to thank the skill and determination of my team in working to deliver justice to James‘s family. Our thoughts remain with them.”
More to follow...
