Pair killed man, 60, in Bow Common after he refused to rob drug dealer

Keith Sinclair was stabbed to death in his home. Picture credit: Met Police (Image: Archant)

Patrick Dunn, 25, and Peter Tutton, 19, knifed Keith Sinclair repeatedly and attacked a friend who was visiting him at his flat in Riemann Court in Bow Common Lane, on April 23 this year.

The Old Bailey heard the pair appeared to be drunk and were carrying beer and other alcohol when they went to Mr Sinclair’s home and demanded he helped them to rob the dealer they had a feud with.

They threatened to stab him if he refused and after Mr Sinclair said no Dunn spat on him.

Mr Sinclair was stabbed three times in the chest and twice in the collarbone during a struggle as he tried to force the pair out of his flat.

Tutton also stabbed Mr Sinclair’s friend in the leg and Dunn coshed him over the head with a bottle and hit him so hard with a chair that it broke his arm.

Both men fled the scene after.

Today both were convicted of manslaughter and one count of grievous bodily harm.

Detective Inspector Paul Considine, investigating officer, said: “Keith Sinclair was attacked and killed in his own home because he would not assist this pair in their criminal activity.

“Dunn and Tutton are two violent men who have shown little concern or remorse for their actions.

“Both men now face a long time in jail, and I am sure London will be a safer place because of it.”

Mr Sinclair’s family released a statement paying tribute to the popular father.

They said: “Keith was part of a very large and loving family: A son, one of eight siblings, a father and a beloved granddad. He was extremely popular in the local community with around 300 people attending his wake. We are devastated by his death which has left not just a hole, but more a great big crater in our lives.”

Dunn and Tutton, of no fixed address, will be sentenced on December 1.