A man from Catford has been sentenced to an indefinite term in a secure hospital after fatally stabbing 20-year-old Filipe Oliveira outside his home in an unprovoked attack.
Sentencing and Charges
Caudel Haughton, 21, of Conisborough Crescent, Catford, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 7, 2025, for the manslaughter of Filipe Oliveira by diminished responsibility.
The court ruled that Haughton will remain in a secure hospital indefinitely, under the Mental Health Act, and will only be released when medical professionals deem it safe.
The Fatal Attack
The violent and unprovoked attack took place on April 15, 2023, outside Filipe’s home on Norwood Road.
- Haughton approached Filipe on his doorstep and stabbed him five times with a flick knife before fleeing.
- Emergency services arrived at the scene at 6 PM, where officers administered CPR, but Filipe died later that evening.
How Police Tracked Haughton Down
Detectives used CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and anonymous Crimestoppers tip-offs to track Haughton’s movements:
- Mapped his journey from Catford to Norwood Road using footage from buses and two train services over 90 minutes.
- Captured his escape route, proving he fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Arrest After National Manhunt
Five days after the killing, on Tuesday, April 21, 2023, Haughton was arrested by British Transport Police firearms officers at Waterloo Station as part of a joint operation with:
- Metropolitan Police
- Dorset Police
- British Transport Police
It later emerged that Haughton had bragged about the killing in the aftermath of the attack.
Detective’s Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“My thoughts today are with Filipe’s family and friends, who have had to wait almost two years for justice.
“This was an unprovoked attack, which saw Filipe fatally stabbed outside his own home.
“Our investigation utilised extensive CCTV evidence and witness testimonies, leading to Haughton’s conviction.
“Haughton will be detained indefinitely in a secure hospital and may spend the rest of his life there, meaning he will no longer be a risk to the public.”
Public Safety Reassurance
Haughton’s indefinite hospital order ensures that he will remain under secure conditions for as long as necessary, preventing any further risk to the public.
This case underscores the Met Police’s commitment to tackling knife crime and ensuring that dangerous individuals are removed from society.
Further updates will follow as authorities continue to monitor Haughton’s status under the hospital order.
