Life Behind Bars for Brutal London Brawl
Abel Mery Berhany, 23, from Leyton Grange Estate, has been handed a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years for the manslaughter of Abraham Haile, 56. The verdict came down at the Old Bailey on Friday, 17 June, following Berhany’s guilty plea just days earlier.
Deadly Attack Caught on CCTV
The horrific assault unfolded on the evening of Tuesday, 28 July 2020, inside a commercial venue on 1 High Street, NW1. Around 10pm, a heated argument between Berhany and Mr Haile exploded into violence. Berhany didn’t just throw punches—he unleashed a sustained attack wielding a broom, fire extinguisher, and cleaning products, all caught on CCTV.
Emergency Response and Court Commendations
Police and London Ambulance swiftly arrived, but tragically Mr Haile succumbed to multiple head and chest injuries at the scene. Witnesses had fled in fear as tensions flared, but Berhany was detained inside until officers arrested him.
Judge Picton praised the first responders and CCTV officer for their roles in bringing Berhany to justice, awarding commendations during sentencing.
From Murder Charge to Manslaughter Conviction
Originally charged with murder and remanded in custody on 30 July 2020, Berhany’s case ended with a manslaughter plea on 15 June. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command led the murder investigation into the shocking case that rocked the local community.
