Two men who murdered a young law student in a brutal case of mistaken identity have had their bids to reduce their life sentences rejected by the Court of Appeal.
Sven Badzak, 22, was stabbed to death on Kilburn High Road on 6 February 2021, as he walked home from the shops with a 16-year-old friend. The pair were attacked by a group who wrongly believed they were members of a rival gang.
Rashid Gedel, of Fenman Gardens, Ilford, and Shiroh Ambersley, of Matthew Close, Wembley, were both convicted in 2023 of Sven’s murder and grievous bodily harm (GBH) against his friend. The two are currently serving life sentences with a minimum term of 27 years.
Appeal Rejected
This week, both Gedel and Ambersley launched an appeal, claiming their sentences were too harsh. One of their central arguments was that the trial judge had wrongly concluded they had intended to kill Sven.
However, Appeal Judge Dodd KC upheld the original sentencing, stating: “There was no lack of logic in the trial judge’s conclusion that Gedel and Ambersley intended to kill.” As a result, the appeals were dismissed, and their sentences were not deemed manifestly excessive.
The Attack
At trial, jurors heard how the attackers were prowling the area, looking for trouble. Gedel and Ambersley were seen entering a bakery and staring at two women before leaving without purchasing anything. Detectives believed they were hunting for victims.
Shortly after, they spotted Sven and his friend walking nearby. The pair were approached from behind, joined by Harvey Canavan, of Walterton Road in Maida Hill, who crossed from the opposite side of the road to take part in the assault.
One of the attackers asked the victims, “What are you on?” before Sven was stabbed in the chest and his friend was stabbed in the back. Sven attempted to flee but collapsed a short distance away, where he was further punched and kicked. He died at the scene.
“No Remorse”
Following the convictions, Detective Inspector John Marriott condemned the attackers’ lack of regret. “None of the defendants have shown any remorse for their actions,” he said. “Rashid Gedel even boasted about the incident on social media in the days after the murder.”
He added: “It’s clear the group went out that evening intent on carrying out serious violence. Armed with knives, they roamed the streets seemingly looking for victims. Devastatingly, Sven and his friend became their targets in what we believe was a case of mistaken identity. They were not gang members – just two friends walking home.”
Co-defendant and Ongoing Investigation
Harvey Canavan, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison. Police believe three other men involved in the attack have yet to be brought to justice.
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for information regarding the outstanding suspects.
Anyone with details that could assist police is urged to contact them via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
