Teen Jailed for Manslaughter After Deadly Cannabis Dispute
A 17-year-old has been locked up for seven and a half years after a man was stabbed to death in a bitter row over stolen cannabis. The teenager was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey. He had earlier pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm but denied murder.
Tragic Stabbing Over Drug Theft in Bexleyheath
Ben Lines, 20, was fatally stabbed at around 2:50pm on 13 October 2019 on Barnehurst Avenue, Bexleyheath. He was rushed to hospital via London’s Air Ambulance but died shortly before 5:30pm.
The deadly fight stemmed from the theft of a small amount of cannabis. The teenager, then aged 16, had arranged to buy the drug from Ben but didn’t pay. Instead, the teenager and two others drove off in a car. Ben gave chase, leading to a collision between the vehicles.
Violent Clash Caught on Neighbourhood Streets
- The two groups clashed in a street fight, witnessed by local residents.
- Police arrived at 3pm to find Ben receiving emergency aid from an off-duty officer and bystanders.
- Tyre marks and crashed cars near the scene suggest a chaotic chase and collision.
- Witnesses saw the 17-year-old pull a knife and stab Ben during the brawl.
The teen ditched the knife, tried to flee with the driver of the other car, but was stopped by residents. He assaulted a 41-year-old man trying to hold him back, causing a cut lip and swelling. The teenager later admitted to this assault.
Police Arrest and Court Sentencing
Police quickly identified the 17-year-old and arrested him on suspicion of murder. He admitted being at the scene but denied causing Ben’s death.
Charged on 15 October 2019 with murder and assault, the teen faced court and was ultimately convicted of manslaughter.
“No sentence will ever replace or bring Ben back,” said Detective Inspector Tariq Farooqi, who led the investigation. “The family will live a life sentence, never sharing any special occasion again. Today would have been Ben’s 21st birthday.”
“This tragic loss highlights the senselessness of knife crime. No good comes from carrying a knife.”
“I want to praise the bravery of the local community who intervened and gave Ben CPR. Their courage, alongside the jury’s verdict, brings some comfort to the family.”
A 16-year-old arrested on suspicion of attempted murder was released with no further action. Another 17-year-old faces charges for driving offences and ABH, with a trial pending at magistrates’ court.
