Overview:
Seven members of this gang were found guilty of violent disorder and murder and one member of manslaughter of a 16 year old boy John Soyoye. This was a complex investigation of joint responsibility, bad character and ‘gang related’ evidence.
Background:
John Soyoye was involved in a fight with a member from a rival gang which was the precursor to his murder.
Investigation:
The CCTV evidence was crucial in proving the movements of each of the offending group consisting of 13 males, pre and post murder (tracking to and from home addresses), who were armed with knives, machetes, and rods or poles, some of the gang needed to use a taxi post murder to convey them to hospital as one of the group was injured, leaving blood stained clothing. Not only CCTV but mobile phone recordings proved invaluable to understand the movements of not only John but the offending group including their actions.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, to establish all eight gang members were guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Outcome:
Seven defendants were convicted of murder, one defendant of manslaughter, all of violent disorder, to a total of 146 years in prison. Five gang members fled the country post murder and are still awaiting trial.
