Two men jailed for causing death of 16-year-old in Orpington moped crash
Fatal Moped Crash in Orpington
Two men have received lengthy prison sentences after deliberately causing the death of 16-year-old Tafari Thompson-Mintah in Orpington.
On 9 October 2023, Tafari was riding his moped along Sevenoaks Way when a car first struck him. This collision sent Tafari’s moped swerving into the path of an oncoming vehicle, which fatally hit him.
Emergency services declared Tafari dead at 4:04 PM. A post-mortem later confirmed the cause of death as severe head trauma.
The Deadly Chase
The court heard Tafari had been in a bitter split with Aaron Conway’s daughter. Conway, 39, from Plumstead, was intent on intimidating and threatening Tafari.
On the day of the crash, Conway and Joseph Barnes, 41, from Surrey, chased Tafari at high speed in a stolen car. Barnes was behind the wheel while Conway egged him on. They deliberately swerved into Tafari, knocking him from his scooter and causing the collision that led to his death.
Harsh Jail Sentences
At Woolwich Crown Court on 6 December, justice was served:
- Joseph Barnes was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years.
- Aaron Conway was convicted of manslaughter and handed 16 years behind bars.
A third man charged with involvement was found not guilty.
Police Speak Out
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, who led the investigation, said:
“Conway encouraged Barnes to drive recklessly, and in doing so, both played a part in the cruel and senseless ending of a young boy’s life.”
“This has been an incredibly distressing time for Tafari’s family. Nothing will erase the pain of their loss, but I hope that today’s lengthy prison sentences will give them some small sense of closure.”
Community Left Reeling
The violent and deliberate nature of Tafari’s death has shocked the Orpington community. Friends and family describe him as a bright young man whose life was cut far too short.
The sentencing delivers justice for this senseless loss, but the heartbreak remains with those who loved Tafari.
