Three men have been jailed for life over the stabbing to death of a teenager in east London, with police saying they hope the sentence will be a deterrent against future knife crime.
The defendants were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court today after being found guilty in April of an unprovoked attack that killed 16-year-old Ajmol Alom.
The court heard how Ajmol and his friends were approached by a gang of four men wearing hoods and scarves in Spey Street, Poplar, on the evening of August 12, 2013.
When the gang attacked Ajmol and his friends, one young male was stabbed in the face through his cheek, and moments later Ajmol was fatally stabbed in the thigh.
All three defendants - Aminur Nadir Khan, 20, of Robin Hood Gardens in Poplar, Mashudur Rahman, 22, of Victoria Street in Stratford, and Ali Akbar Choudhury, 20, of John Smith Mews in Poplar - were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 23 years for Ajmol’s murder.
They were sentenced to ten years, to run concurrently, for grievous bodily harm with intent on the second victim.
Detective Inspector Julie Willats said: “Today’s sentencing means justice has been achieved for Ajmol Alom and I hope this brings comfort to their families and friends.
“I would like to take this opportunity of again thanking all of the witnesses who have given evidence in this tragic case.”
She added: “Ajmol was an innocent teenager enjoying a summer evening with his friends when they were targeted in an unprovoked attack by a group of young men with knives.
“This incident highlights the misery that knife crime causes. I hope the sentence acts as a deterrent to those who carry or use knives or associate with others who do so.”
Ajmol’s family released a statement, which said: “We would like to thank the police investigation team, the CPS and prosecuting counsel for all of their hard work in bringing this matter to trial and a successful prosecution.
“It has also meant a lot to us to hear evidence from members of the local community who came forward to help our son.”
They added: “Ajmol was a part of us and had his whole life ahead of him. We can only hope that other young people turn away from violence and knife crime when they reflect on today’s verdict.”
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