Two men have been sentenced for the manslaughter of 34-year-old Justin Henry. Lewis Benjamin, 30, from Waddon New Road, england/croydon/”>Croydon, and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29, from Thornlaw Road, Norwood, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 11 September.
Sentencing Details
Benjamin received a total sentence of 20 years, comprising 14 years for manslaughter and 6 years for perverting the course of justice. Ali-Richards was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months, with 5 years and 6 months for manslaughter and 3 years for perverting the course of justice.
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Trial and Conviction
Both men were convicted on Thursday, 10 April, following an eight-Weekweek trial. The court was informed that while Justin was reported missing, Benjamin and Ali-Richards were actively disposing of his body and attempting to destroy evidence linked to his death.
Investigation and Arrests
Benjamin was arrested on 24 October 2023, with Ali-Richards taken into custody days later. The Metropolitan Police’s investigation utilised CCTV, phone data, and forensic evidence to identify the suspects and locate Justin’s body.
Family’s Statement
Justin Henry’s family stated, “Justin was a kind, loving, and vibrant soul whose life was taken far too soon. The pain of his disappearance and the unimaginable circumstances surrounding his death have left a void in our lives that can never be filled.”
Two men jailed for manslaughter of Croydon man
Detective’s Remarks
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee, who led the investigation, commented, “The deliberate actions taken by Benjamin and Ali-Richards to conceal their crime show a disturbing disregard for Justin’s life and the impact on those who loved him.”
Timeline of Events
Justin Henry was reported missing on Monday, 16 October 2023, after he failed to return home following a visit to his girlfriend. CCTV showed him alive at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on Sunday, 15 October. His car was later found parked near Benjamin’s home.
Two men jailed for manslaughter of Croydon man
Discovery of Evidence
Police found signs of a clean-up in Benjamin’s flat, with furniture removed and evidence indicating an attempt to destroy crucial evidence. Forensic teams discovered bloodstains and a section of carpet belonging to Justin.
Further Investigation
Benjamin attempted to flee and discard his phone, which contained contact records with Justin. Both men were charged with murder, with Benjamin eventually pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice on 17 February 2025.
