A man has been jailed today for the murder of a fellow resident at a hostel in Whitechapel who he stabbed to death.

East London Advertiser: Gary BriscoGary Brisco (Image: Archant)

Mehretab Zemicael, 43, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on February 19 of murdering Gary Brisco, 42, of Code Street near Brick Lane last year.

Zemicael was given a life sentence today with a minimum term of 15 years.

Mr Brisco’s mother welcomed the sentence, saying “justice has been achieved”.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 5:30pm on June 22 after Mr Brosco was found dead in his room in the hostel in Code Street.

He had suffered multiple knife wounds, including serious stab injuries to his neck, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Zemicael was identified as a suspect straight away and Police launched a manhunt and a public appeal.

He was traced by detectives to a location in Southwark and arrested on July 9 having slept rough since fleeing the hostel. Police charged with the murder the next day.

Detective Inspector Andrew Kelly, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down today and Zemicael will now serve a significant number of years behind bars.

“Gary’s mother has been present at court throughout the trial and has had to hear the harrowing details of how her son murdered.

“I hope that today’s sentence now provides her with some solace.”

Joan Brisco, mother of the murdered Gary, said: “I would like to express my thanks to the prosecution team and to the Victim Support Service for the support they had given me following Gary’s murder.

“Despite Gary’s problems with drugs he was a good son who had never caused me any problems.

“I miss him so much but I am grateful that with Zemicael now behind bars justice has been achieved.”