Three Guilty in Brutal Battersea Moped Murder
A jury has found three youths guilty of murdering moped delivery rider Iderval da Silva in Battersea back in May 2019. Nineteen-year-old Jaden Richards and a 16-year-old boy were convicted of murder, while another 16-year-old was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey today, Thursday 2 January.
Sentencing is set for Wednesday 5 February. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Jesire Frazer and a 17-year-old boy were cleared of all charges.
Iderval Attacked in Broad Daylight Over His Moped
Police rushed to Charlotte Despard Avenue, SW11, on 25 May 2019 after reports of a fight. Officers found Iderval, 46, suffering a serious head injury. The Brazilian national, who was working as an Uber Eats rider, was rushed to hospital but died three days later.
Investigators discovered Iderval had confronted a teenager attempting to steal his moped outside. Moments later, a group of six youth brutally set upon him, leaving him unconscious in the street. CCTV footage and witness accounts captured the savage attack.
Key Evidence From Mobile Phone Leads to Arrests
Detectives recovered a mobile phone dropped by one of the attackers, which helped identify the gang. A major investigation by the Homicide and Major Crime Command followed, resulting in six murder charges. One 17-year-old defendant was dropped mid-trial due to lack of evidence.
Detective Inspector Tariq Farooqi said: “Iderval was targeted purely because he was the owner of the scooter. When he tried to prevent his livelihood from being taken away from him, the violence then ensued. They were ferocious and heartless in the way they attacked him.”
He added: “Because of this, a family have lost a truly loved individual who was trying to provide for his son and extended family members.”
Community Spirit Defies Senseless Crime
DI Farooqi praised witnesses and the community for their courage during the trial: “I would also like to thank the witnesses who assisted police during the investigation and showed courage in attending court to give evidence. It showed true community spirit and a determination to bring to justice those responsible for this horrific attack.”
The family of Iderval thanked supporters who stood by them through the gruelling investigation and legal battle.
