Josh Hanson murder: Britain’s ‘most wanted’ man jailed for life
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A killer once dubbed one of Britain’s most wanted fugitives has been jailed for at least 26 years.
Shane O’Brien, 31, evaded police for three-and-a-half years after he slashed Josh Hanson’s neck in Hillingdon, west London, on 11 October 2015.
He fled the UK, changed his appearance and moved around Europe before his extradition from Romania in April.
O’Brien, who jurors found guilty of murder last month, was given a life sentence at the Old Bailey.
CCTV released during the trial showed 21-year-old Mr Hanson clutching his neck and stumbling as blood poured out of a 37cm (14.5in) wound.
‘Abrupt, vicious, violent’
After the killing, jurors heard, O’Brien was seen “calmly” walking out of the bar.
He made his way to Ashford, Kent, where a contact had chartered a private four-seater plane to take him to the Netherlands.
The killer grew a beard and long hair and changed his tattoos as he travelled through countries including Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic, the court was told.
In 2017, the father-of-two was arrested over a dispute in a Prague nightclub but gave police a false name and fled while on bail.
The trial heard the 31-year-old was added to Europol and Interpol’s most wanted lists but still managed to lay low.
However, he was eventually caught by Romanian authorities after he contacted Scotland Yard to arrange a possible meeting, the jury heard.
Sentencing the father-of-two, Judge Nigel Lickley QC called it “a grotesque, violent and totally unnecessary attack on an innocent man”.
“The reason why you behaved in such a way may never be fully explained. You, however, know the reason,” he said.
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Metropolitan Police
Josh Hanson was pronounced dead at the RE bar in Hillingdon
In a victim impact statement, Mr Hanson’s mother Tracey described her son as being “considerate, kind and generous”.
“He was taken from us in the most horrific way possible – suddenly, abruptly, viciously and violently,” she said.
The victim’s sister, Brooke, said the 21-year-old “was not just my brother, he was my best friend”, and described his “infectious smile” and “magical presence”.
She told the court she had suffered from anxiety and post-traumatic stress since the killing and found herself always wondering if she could have protected him from the “evil” that took him away.
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EPA
The 31-year-old was eventually detained by authorities in Romania
During the trial, O’Brien had claimed he felt threatened by Mr Hanson’s “very aggressive body language” and had only meant to scare his victim.
There were angry shouts of “coward” from the public gallery as he was led away from the dock.
Craig Small death: Murder charge over Wembley shooting
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Met Police
Craig Small died in hospital in July shortly after he was shot outside a shop in Wembley
A man has been charged with the murder of another man who was shot dead outside a shop in north-west London.
Craig Small died in hospital after he was shot in Harrow Road, Wembley, on 5 July.
Courtney Ellis, 34, has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice.
Mr Ellis, of Mafeking Avenue, Brentford, is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Two other men – Horaine Nicholas, 29, of Crawford Avenue, Wembley, and Christopher Kyei, 32, of Craig Mount, Radlett, Hertfordshire – have been charged with perverting the course of justice and will appear at the same court.
A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession of a prohibited firearm has been released under investigation.
Lyndon Davis murder: Six teens jailed for stab killing
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Met Police
Clockwise from top left: Jordan Worrie, Tyler Faubel, Michael Corcoran, Connor Corcoran, Ali Ali and Jordan Muinglui were convicted of murder
Six teenagers who murdered an 18-year-old just yards from his home have been jailed.
Lyndon Davis died in hospital hours after he was chased down and stabbed in an alleyway in Chadwell Heath, Romford, on 14 March.
The six youths, who were all under 18 at the time of the killing, denied murder but were found guilty after a trial in July.
Mr Davis’ mother Aber Green said her son “did not stand a chance”.
Brian O’Neill QC, prosecuting, said Mr Davis was targeted for his involvement with a rival gang.
Jordan Worrie, 18, of New North Road, Hainault, and Tyler Faubel, 18, of Robinia Close, Hainault, were jailed for 16 years.
Connor Corcoran, 18, and his 17-year-old brother Michael Corcoran, both of Huntsman Road, Hainault, and Jordan Muinglui, 18, of The Herons, Wanstead, were jailed for 14 years.
Ali Ali, 16, of Dalkeith Road, Ilford, was jailed for 11 years.
Sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Andrew Lees said: “All six of you chased down and were involved in brutally murdering Lyndon Davis within yards of his home.
“His murder has caused lasting grief and trauma to his family.”
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Met Police
Lyndon Davis was found with a stab wound to his legs
Ms Green said “no-one should have taken him away”.
“He was a funny boy and full of laughter. I know I will never know the whole story about what happened in that alley where he died,” she added.
Muinglui, Worrie, Faubel and Connor Corcoran also received 18 month terms for possession of an offensive weapon.