Inner London Crown Court, London – Four teenagers, identified as Alagie Jobe, 19, Hussain Bah, 19, an unnamed 16-year-old, and an 18-year-old, have been found guilty of two counts of murder in a shocking case that unfolded on November 26, 2022. The victims, Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke, both fatally injured by knife wounds, became the unfortunate victims of the violent incident.
The Inner London Crown Court handed down the verdict on Friday, January 26, following a trial. While Bah and Jobe are scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on February 7, the remaining two defendants will receive their sentences on February 23.
The tragic event occurred when Charlie Bartolo, along with two friends, was riding motorbikes on Sewell Road at approximately 5 p.m. On this fateful day, a car deliberately rammed into Charlie, propelling him over the handlebars and into the air. Kearne Solanke, Alagie Jobe, and the 16-year-old defendant exited the passenger side of the car, armed with large, almost sword-like knives, and proceeded to stab Charlie as he lay defenceless on the pavement.
During the harrowing attack, lasting less than a minute, Charlie sustained eight stab wounds, including one to the head that penetrated his brain. CCTV footage of the incident revealed that each of the attackers used these large knives to inflict injuries on Charlie. Notably, two individuals at the driver’s side of the car did not engage physically in the attack, although the driver was found to be in possession of a knife.
Tragically, Kearne Solanke, one of the assailants, was accidentally stabbed by one of his friends during the chaos. Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones QC stated during the trial that there was no indication that the stabbing of Kearne was intentional but rather a result of the confusion and excitement that prevailed during the incident.
The underlying cause of this brutal attack was revealed to be a “post-code rivalry” between Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. Emlyn Jones explained that one of the defendants had a dispute, or as he put it, a “beef,” with Abbey Wood, marking the motive for the tragic loss of lives.
The incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime, where individuals not only risk the lives of those they perceive as enemies but also harm those they consider friends. The families of both Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke continue to endure the profound impact of this heartbreaking incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn expressed her team’s dedication to solving the case and highlighting the devastation caused by knife crime. She emphasized that individuals who arm themselves with large knives not only jeopardize the lives of their enemies but also those they consider friends.
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