A man who stabbed a father to death in a busy high street while his young daughter was in a nearby shop has been found guilty of manslaughter.
Abraham Omotoso, 27, of Tudor Gardens, Harrow, was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey on September 15, following a two-week trial, but was not found guilty of murder.
Omotoso stabbed 34 -year-old Mohamed Al-Zufairi, a father of two from Harrow, in High Street, Wealdstone, on February 27 just before 7pm, while his eight-year-old daughter went into Poundland to buy some items.
Mr Al-Zufairi was taken to hospital but despite extensive surgery he died at 2.30am on February 28.
Witnesses have said there was a short argument before Omotoso stabbed the father, then fled from the scene holding the knife.
In a statement, Mohamed’s brother Jafar said: "Mohamed was a family man, his family came first. I still can not really believe what has happened to Mohamed, the constant grief just gets worse.
"It’s like a massive hole just suddenly appeared in our family, our big brother was there one minute and suddenly he was snatched away. None of us can get a grasp of or understand. It makes it so much worse that we know that he was killed.
He said the tragedy has hit Mr Al-Zufairi's daughter hard, as she walked with him to the shops but returned home without him.
He added: "Our lives will never be the same, they have been scarred."
Omotoso was arrested at Gatwick Airport having purchased a one-way ticket to Nigeria, and was charged on March 6.
Police believe the incident may have occurred due to a feud between one of the victim's brothers and one of Omotoso's brothers.
Detective Inspector Jon Meager, the investigating officer from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Omotoso has shown no remorse for his actions on that day. I hope his conviction gives Mohamed’s family a measure of closure and comfort."
He will be sentenced at the same court on October 13.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel