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August 2023
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A man was sentenced at the Old Bailey yesterday for the part he played in the murder of Asante Campbell in February 2020.
Hafid Omar, 20 (24.01.01), of Orange Hill Road, Edgware was sentenced to three years and six months' imprisonment for assisting an offender. He pleaded guilty at the same court on 7 May. The charge relates to the murder of Asante Campbell who was fatally stabbed in Hendon last year. Kofi Abusah, 19 (23.02.01), of Walter Walk, Edgware and Javell Hall, 18 (19.09.02), of Swanage Waye, Hayes were found guilty of Asante's murder and were each sentenced to life with a minimum term of 19 years on 23 April. On the evening of 29 February 2020, Asante, a railway track worker from Edgware, had driven to the Bellevue Estate to meet a friend. They were planning to travel to work together. Asante was waiting in his car in the car park when a Toyota Prius pulled up next to him. Four men got out and surrounded his car before stabbing him through an open window. Despite his injuries, Asante was able to drive a short distance away from the car park, calling a family member to tell them he'd been stabbed. He lost consciousness a short time later and collided with a parked car in nearby Parson Street. Local residents quickly came to his aid and called an ambulance. He was taken to hospital but he died soon after arriving. A post-mortem examination found that death was caused by an incised wound to the chest. Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command found that Omar had been driving the vehicle that Asante's killers got out of. The day after the murder, Omar valeted his car, leading to the loss of forensic evidence. He also changed his phone in order to conceal his and the other defendants' tracks. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Asante Campbell was a hard-working man who was devoted to his young family. Just 15 minutes before his murder, he had left his fiancée and baby daughter, having volunteered to work a night shift. He never returned home to them. "The motive for Asante’s tragic death has never been determined. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. "His family has been left devastated. His young daughter will grow up without him in her life. This is the tragedy that stems from knife crime. “Omar played a part in the death of this young man and I hope he uses this time in prison to reflect on the seriousness of his actions. The Met will continue to prosecute and bring to justice offenders who play any part, no matter how small, in violent crime. “I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal for anyone who has information regarding the outstanding suspects in this investigation to come forward and speak with us. Whilst two men have been convicted, we know that others were involved. Please help us identify them.” Speaking on behalf of his family, Asante's mother, Angela Campbell, said: "To begin to explain the impact the passing of my son Asante has had on us is as hard as attempting to comprehend how he was senselessly taken. Every passing day does not alleviate the sharp pain we all share in coming to the realisation that we will never be able to have the privilege of being in his infectious presence again. "Asante's charitable nature gained him many admirers, both young and old, extending to people from all walks of life. We will find some solace in the memories and stories we as a family cherish. "No mother should have to bury a child, especially in these circumstances. The horror and futility of Asante's passing will forever haunt us all. In an attempt to mediate these feelings, we continue to acknowledge that he would want us to remain together and positive." Enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone else involved in Asante's murder. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information 100 per cent anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers. It can feel like a hard call, but it could save the life of someone you love. No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families. They never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life. source Comments are closed.
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