Man Found Guilty of Manslaughter After Fatal Southall Stabbing
Trivial Spitting Row Ends in Tragedy
Gurjeet Singh Lall, 36, from Southall, has been convicted of manslaughter for stabbing 69-year-old Allan Isichei to death. The deadly attack erupted after a brief argument sparked by Lall spitting in the street.
On Monday, 26 October, Lall was found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility. The fatal encounter shocked the local community.
Allan Isichei: Community Pillar and Sportsman
Allan was a beloved figure in Southall. A former builder and building firm director, he was well-known for his long-standing involvement with the Wasps rugby team, both as a player in the 70s and 80s and later as a coach. Allan was also a skilled saxophonist, performing jazz gigs across London.
He was a devoted family man, loved by his several grandchildren and neighbours alike.
Fateful Night at The Plough Pub
On 24 August 2019, Allan visited The Plough pub in Tentelow Lane, just a short stroll from his home. Enjoying a quiet beer and reading on his tablet in the beer garden, Allan left around 6:30pm after one drink.
Walking home on St Mary’s Avenue South, he crossed paths with Lall, who was leaning against a wall. A brief verbal spat erupted over Lall’s spitting. After Allan turned away, Lall spat again, provoking Allan to place his tablet down and confront him.
Words escalated into violence when Lall pulled a knife and stabbed Allan multiple times during a struggle. Allan managed to disarm Lall, but was seriously wounded.
Desperate Struggle to Survive
Unaware of the severity of his injuries, Allan staggered down the street and rang a neighbour’s doorbell pleading for help. Police and paramedics arrived quickly, treating him at the scene before rushing him to hospital.
Despite attempts to save him, Allan was pronounced dead at 7:56pm that evening.
Police tracked Lall via a blood trail to his home. Initially arrested for attempted murder, he was later charged with murder after Allan’s death.
Justice for Allan
A post-mortem revealed multiple knife wounds, with the fatal injury an incised abdominal wound. Lall claimed self-defence but was found guilty of manslaughter after a mental health review deemed him fit for trial.
Sentencing is set for Monday, 14 December.
Allan’s family said: “We have suffered the tragic loss of our father, a kind, generous, and inspirational man. To hear him called an aggressor by his attacker is heartbreaking and untrue. The footage clearly shows Allan was the victim of someone who chose to carry a knife.”
“Why was a man with a known history of carrying knives, arrested just months prior, allowed back on the streets unsupervised to commit this senseless act?”
“The victim’s voice is silenced forever. The pain we feel is endless.”
Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson said:
“It beggars belief that Allan went for a quick drink and never made it home. Allan was a creative soul, active in sport and music. His loss is devastating.”
“There was no reason for Lall to carry a knife or to use it. I’m glad justice has been served and his self-defence claim was rejected.”
