Hasan Ozcan murder: Man and boy, 16, given life sentences for ‘revenge’ killing of teen in Barking

A man and a 16-year-old boy have been given life sentences for the murder of a 19-year-old who was stabbed to death in Barking.

Hasan Ozcan, 19, was brutally knifed seven times in what police believe was a revenge attack on February 3 last year.

Kareem Lashley-Weeks, 21, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 24 years at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, was also handed a life imprisonment sentence with a 19-year minimum term.

Both were found guilty of murder and violent disorder following an earlier trial.

Police were called to a fenced sports court on Linsdell Road to reports that a man had been stabbed by boys on bicycles.

Officers found Mr Ozcan suffering from multiple stab wounds and attempted first aid before the London Ambulance Service arrived.

Paramedics battled to save the 19-year-old but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Met Police said that detectives established the motive as a revenge attack after one of the defendants’ friends was stabbed just a few hours earlier.

Kamaal Modest, 22, who was previously found guilty of violent disorder at the Old Bailey for his involvement in the attack, was also sentenced to 25 months.

Jonathan Efionayi, 22, was also found guilty of violent disorder and will be sentenced on Friday at the same court.

After the sentencing Mr Ozcan’s family said: “Hasan was a loving, caring, considerate and compassionate young man who loved socialising and playing sports.

“He had a bright future ahead of him. He was studying criminology and had hoped to work with young offenders, when he was brutally murdered.

“He was a wonderful son to his parents, a caring and loving older brother to his two brothers and a devoted friend to all his friends. We all desperately miss him.”

Detective Sergeant Jake Ellis, of the Specialist Crime Command, also said: “This was an unnecessary loss of life and Hasan’s family have been left devastated.

“He was set upon and brutally attacked in the street in the most violent way," he added.

“Justice has been served but nothing can bring Hasan back so he can live the life he deserved."