They will be sentenced next month
A pair of teenagers responsible for murdering a youth worker for his iPhone in west London face prison after being found guilty today.
Eighteen-years-olds Nathan Gilmaney and Troy Thomas rode around on mopeds armed with knives, in the search of robbery victims, stabbing five people during a four-hour period.
Gilmaney, who delivered the blow that claimed Abdul Samad’s life, said during trial that he stabbed his victims out of anger for refusing to hand over their belongings.
Samad, 28, had already handed over his phone and wallet and was attacked after the pair asked him for his phone’s PIN code.
Paramedics performed emergency surgery but despite their best efforts, Mr Samad died in the street just a short while later.
Abdul Samad pictured before his deathA jury today found both Gilmaney and Thomas guilty of murder, with Thomas convicted of four additional attacks on 16 October last year.
Sally-Anne Russell, from the CPS homicide unit, said: “Although Gilmaney and Thomas thought they had disguised their identities by wearing balaclavas and helmets, the prosecution was able to prove they were responsible for the crimes.
“These young men were caught on CCTV in a lift, having taken their balaclavas and helmets off, as they attended an address to sell their stolen goods. They were also found with other stolen items when they were arrested.”
Describing the crime spree, prosecutor Oliver Glasgow QC said: “These two men on that night were highway men of the 21st century, who thought they had the right to threaten and rob whoever they found, who attacked their targets in a brazen and shocking manner and who stabbed their victims often for no reason than simple aggression and blood lust.”
Sentencing will take place on 15 June at the Old Bailey, with the duo likely to see life sentences.
