South London Crime Spree: Paedophile, Killer Gang & Double Murderer Jailed
July 2024 saw a wave of tough prison sentences for South London’s worst criminals. From a paedophile swimming coach to a ruthless gang of killers in Erith, and a double murderer from Lewisham, justice was served. Here’s the lowdown on the hardened offenders now behind bars.
Seven Men Jailed for Erith Murder
Seven men from Erith, Bexley, and Belvedere received hefty sentences for the brutal murder of 24-year-old Kai McGinley in February 2023 on Pembroke Road, Erith. The group’s violent attack shocked the local community.
Sentences handed down:
- Bradlee Reeve, 34, Erith: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years (Murder & GBH)
- Enriko Spahiu, 21, Belvedere: Life imprisonment, minimum 29 years (Murder & GBH)
- Kai Osibodu, 25, Erith: Life imprisonment, minimum 30 years (Murder & GBH)
- Jalees Selby-Gangera, 19, Erith: 9.5 years (Manslaughter)
- Connor Brooks, 22, Erith: 12 years (Manslaughter)
- Charlie Brabon, 19, Erith: 9 years (Manslaughter)
- Anthony Wallder, 21: Life imprisonment, minimum 29 years (Murder & GBH)
Other Notorious Sentences in South London
Philip Baker, Strangler
Philip Baker, 63, from Erith strangled his partner until she feared for her life. He was convicted of assault and strangulation and jailed for two years.
Carl Cooper: Double Murderer
Carl Cooper, 66, from Lewisham, was sentenced to life for killing two women he had relationships with — Naomi Hunte, found dead in Woolwich in 2022, and Fiona Holm, still missing. The chilling case rattled the local area.
Paedophile Swimming Coach Michael Drew
Michael Drew, 78, a former coach, was locked up for over two years for historic sexual abuse of boys. He had a prior prison term in 2001 for similar offences.
Violent Disorder: McDonagh & O’Donnell
Martin McDonagh, 35, of Beckenham, and Anthony O’Donnell, 34, Sidcup, were among 23 jailed following a violent brawl at a kids’ boxing event near Coventry.
Train Groper James Gathercole
James Arthur George Gathercole, 39, was sentenced to 2 years 8 months for lewd acts in front of young women on South London trains.
Murderers in Elephant & Castle
Jurick Croes got life with a 30-year minimum for the murder of Riches Obi, while Suvenca Martis and Raichell Felomina received jail for false imprisonment linked to the case.
Joyrider Chad Goodall
Chad Goodall, 44, crashed a stolen car during a police chase, seriously injuring two people. He was jailed for 11 years 6 months, also linked to multiple burglaries.
Burglary and Armed Robbery Sentences
- Winston Papalaka, 28, Crystal Palace: 4.5 years for a £5,000 burglary via dog flap.
- Mark Kerwick, 33, Croydon: 5 years for possessing a gun and cannabis supply caught at a dry cleaner’s.
- Mohammed Basheeru, 44, Croydon: 12 years for threatening a bank cashier with a gun during a robbery in Sydenham.
- John Harris Bolton, 38, Greenwich: Sentenced after repeatedly stealing meat, alcohol, and goods from a BP store over six months.
The Verdict: South London’s Fiery Fight Against Crime
July’s wave of prison sentences across South London shows law enforcement’s relentless drive to protect communities. From chilling murders to disturbing sexual abuse and violent crime, these convictions send a clear message: offenders will face the full force of the law.
