Paizan’s heinous crime involved bludgeoning Ms. Akom to death with a jigsaw power tool inside a converted shipping container on May 9, 2021. During his trial at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that he struck her head at least 20 times before burying her badly decomposed body in nearby woods near Neasden Recreation Ground, where it was discovered over a month later. Bloodstains found at Paizan’s container further incriminated him.
Despite his legal efforts, the Court of Appeal dismissed Paizan’s bid to challenge both his guilty verdict and the life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years. Among his grievances were claims that one juror smelled of cannabis and that Ms. Akom had prior convictions. However, the court found these assertions to be either baseless or irrelevant.
In a troubling twist, Paizan initially alleged self-defence to authorities, only to change his story during trial proceedings. He falsely accused Ms Akom of poisoning him with iced coffee, tarnishing her memory by claiming she worked as a sex worker. These fabrications were debunked by evidence revealing a pattern of exploitation and manipulation by Paizan, who allegedly preyed on Ms Akom’s vulnerabilities with promises of financial support.
The court also rejected Paizan’s attempt to mitigate his sentence based on his age and health issues, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the need for justice. Despite attempts to portray himself as a guardian figure to Ms Akom, Paizan’s actions spoke volumes, demonstrating a calculated disregard for her life and dignity.
The tragic case underscores the urgent need for vigilance against violence and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable individuals. As the court’s decision affirms, justice must prevail in the face of such atrocities, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes
