Teen Found Guilty of Killing Man Who Stood Up to Street Dealers in Parsons Green
A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of fatally stabbing Omid Saidy, 20, after the victim confronted him and an accomplice over drug dealing outside his home in Parsons Green. The verdict came today at the Old Bailey, with the teen cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.
Not Guilty of Murder, But Found Guilty of Manslaughter
On the same day, Shafiq Smith, 19, was cleared of both murder and manslaughter in relation to Omid but convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent for stabbing Omid’s friend, Oluwafemi Omotosho. Both men face sentencing on 15 June.
Chilling Night of Violence Outside Parsons Green Station
The tragic events unfolded on 16 October 2017. Police were called around 7.30pm after reports of three males being stabbed near Parsons Green Tube Station. Omid, a voluntary youth worker from Fulham, was found collapsed with fatal stab wounds. His friend Omotosho also suffered serious injuries.
That afternoon, Omid had spotted what he believed was a drug deal outside his house – a repeated nuisance – and asked the dealers to move. They returned later, prompting Omid to head outside again with his father and brother. The dealers initially agreed to leave but then reappeared wearing masks.
Omid, his father, and brother confronted them. Knives were brandished. Omid stood his ground armed with a knife, calling on his friend Omotosho for backup. Omotosho arrived on a moped, also armed.
The situation escalated into a violent altercation. Omid was stabbed multiple times and died at the scene despite emergency efforts. Omotosho crashed his moped while trying to defend Omid and was stabbed in the chest by Smith, who then fled the scene with the teenage suspect.
Evidence and Police Investigation Lead to Arrests
The teen was caught shortly after trying to escape, having discarded a blood-stained knife in a drain. CCTV footage showed Smith carrying a knife and later fleeing. Smith was arrested days later after a police operation. Both defendants gave limited statements, denying murder and claiming self-defence.
Another man, Omotosho, pleaded guilty to weapons and affray charges and awaits sentencing alongside the defendants.
Community Mourns, Police Issue Stark Warning on Knife Crime
“Omid tragically lost his life for simply asking some drug dealers to move on from outside his home,” said Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh.
“Smith and the teenager showed no remorse. They were ready to fight and use deadly force on a busy high street. Carrying knives is a one-way ticket to prison or worse. We must challenge the deadly normality of knives in our streets.”
The family of Omid expressed heartbreak and frustration:
“Nothing will bring back our beloved Omid and we don’t feel justice was fully served. But we hope this conviction shows young people the real consequences of carrying knives. We pray no other family has to suffer as we have.”
