Teen Jailed for Brutal Machete Murder in London
A 17-year-old boy has been locked up for 17 years for a savage stabbing murder in southeast London. He can’t be named for legal reasons.
The teenager was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday, April 12, after being found guilty of murder on March 9.
Accomplices Handed Heavy Sentences
Three other men were convicted of manslaughter at the same trial and received stiff prison terms:
- Yusuf Murat Aydin, 22, Eltham Green Road – 12 years
- Jack Davies, 20, Westhorne Avenue – 11 years
- Benedict Paul, 18, Ellis Close – 9 years
Violent Attack Caught on CCTV
On February 8, 2022, at around 3pm, victim Bartosz and a friend were shopping on Keynsham Road, SE9, when a black Seat Leon pulled up alongside them. Yusuf Aydin drove the car and all four defendants were inside.
Aydin jumped out first and confronted Bartosz before the others quickly joined in, shoving and pushing him. The group moved to Lionel Road near Westhorne Avenue, where Bartosz was stabbed with a machete-style knife and collapsed.
Despite emergency treatment at an East London hospital, Bartosz died from a severe stomach wound that severed a vein. He also suffered knife injuries to his leg and hand.
Police Trace Blood Trail and Evidence
Forensics found a second blood type at the scene belonging to Aydin, who had recently been treated for stab wounds that reopened during the attack. The blood trail led from the scene to Aydin’s parked car, which was later professionally cleaned inside and out to destroy evidence.
Mobile phone data showed the defendants’ phones travelling together after the murder to an address linked to Davies.
Witnesses revealed that the 17-year-old wielded the fatal machete during the attack.
Manhunt and Arrests
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, launched a murder investigation.
- Jack Davies was arrested on February 10, 2022, suspected of murder.
- The 17-year-old was caught on February 11 at London City Airport trying to flee to Ghana.
- Yusuf Aydin was arrested the same day.
- Benedict Paul fled to Kent on the day of the murder but surrendered on February 16, 2022.
DCI Kate Kieran said: “This was an intentional attack, it was brutal and afterwards all four defendants took steps to avoid being arrested. They must now all spend time behind bars as a result of their actions.“This sentencing will undoubtedly bring the raw emotions of Bartosz’s murder back to his friends and family; while his death will continue to have a devastating impact on them I can only hope that seeing those responsible jailed will afford them some sense of justice.”
