A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the cold-blooded murder of Sean O’Neill, following a violent daylight attack in a quiet residential street.
Dellan Charles, 23, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court today, where he was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years before being considered for parole. He was convicted of murder in December 2024 after a harrowing trial that exposed the ruthless nature of the killing.
The court heard how, on the evening of Thursday 18 May 2023, a confrontation between two rival groups escalated into violence on Reynolds Road, Hayes. Charles, armed with two knives, chased down and cornered 23-year-old Sean O’Neill, stabbing him multiple times while shouting “die, die, die” during the brutal assault.
Killer Fled and Evaded Arrest for Nearly a Year
CCTV footage captured Charles calmly walking away from the scene, later trespassing through suburban gardens to evade detection. He disposed of one of the murder weapons at a nearby address and attempted to flee the area, sparking a lengthy manhunt by police.
It took ten months of investigative work by Specialist Crime South officers, who eventually tracked Charles down and arrested him in Coventry on 27 March 2024. Their efforts helped build a strong case that ultimately secured justice for Sean and his grieving family.
Tributes to Sean O’Neill
During the trial, the court heard heartfelt tributes to Sean, describing him as a funny, kind, and sociable young man, whose tragic death left a profound impact on all who knew him.
In a statement, Sean’s family said:
“We really appreciate the efforts of the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in bringing about justice, as well as the support we have received throughout this difficult process.
Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun-loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.”
Detectives Praise Family’s Strength
Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, who led the investigation, praised the courage of Sean’s family throughout the ordeal.
“Heartbreakingly, nothing will ever bring Sean back, but today, the man responsible for taking him away from his much-loved family has been forced to face the reality of his malicious actions.
Myself and the team once again pay tribute to Sean’s family, who, throughout this distressing time, have shown real strength and togetherness.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime, and police have reiterated their commitment to tackling violent offenders across the capital.
