Life for Killer Over Innocent Man’s Murder in Daylight Shootout
Demetrios Kyriacou, 35, from Liverpool Road, Islington, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years at the Old Bailey on Friday, 25 November. He was found guilty of murdering 22-year-old Imani Allaway-Muir in a shocking daylight shooting. The gunman, Nathaniel Reece, 41, Southgate Road, Islington, who fired the fatal shots, also got life, with a minimum of 33 years and two months after pleading guilty.
Accomplices Also Behind Bars
- Matthew Hardy, 36, Six Acres Estate, Islington – jailed for 7½ years for manslaughter plus 18 months for drug conspiracy
- Darren Dredge, 41 – jailed for 8½ years for manslaughter and drug conspiracy
- James Nicholson, 36, no fixed address – sentencing for manslaughter pending
Kyriacou and Dredge were also convicted for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property. These sentences run concurrently with their life terms.
Detective Speaks Out on Brutal Crime
“Imani was a young man with his whole life ahead. He was tragically killed in broad daylight just metres from a playground full of children,” said Detective Chief Inspector Neil John from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. “Kyriacou refused police help after a robbery and took revenge, dragging his friends into this deadly plan. Imani paid with his life for a crime he had nothing to do with. Our team worked relentlessly to bring these men to justice. There is never an excuse for gun violence.”
Heartbreaking Words from Grieving Mother
Imani’s mum Keetha broke down in court: “The pain is unimaginable. Imani was the glue of our family and deeply loved. A mother should never bury her son. July 4 will haunt me forever. I still see my son’s lifeless body covered in blood. I couldn’t hold him as he died. He was innocent, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Imani will be forever loved and missed. Our hearts are broken until we’re reunited with him.”
How It Happened: Fatal Mistake
- On 4 July 2020, Kyriacou was robbed at knifepoint in N4, losing his Rolex, cash, and iPhone.
- He refused police help and vowed revenge, recruiting friends to retrieve his stolen goods.
- Using the ‘Find My iPhone’ app, the group tracked the goods to a Westbourne estate location.
- Shortly after 3:20pm, Reece opened fire on Roman Way, N7, fatally shooting Imani, an innocent bystander present at the scene.
- The gang fled immediately after the shooting, dumping the gun later.
Police recovered 14 bullet casings and the stolen phones. CCTV, ANPR, and witness statements linked the gang to the crime. All were arrested within months and prosecuted.
Justice Served, But Trauma Remains
Besides the life sentence for murder, Kyriacou also faces 10½ years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, 3½ years for Class B conspiracy, and 3 years 9 months for possession of criminal property—these sentences run alongside his life term.
The Met have vowed to continue cracking down on gun crime and keep dangerous weapons off the streets of London.
