Family of Teen Stabbing Victim Slams Lack of Remorse from Killers
The family of a teen who was brutally stabbed to death in a Penge park have slammed his killers’ lack of remorse.
Michael Jonas, 17, was lured to Betts Park then stabbed to death on November 2, 2017.
In November 2023, after a six year wait for justice, six men were found guilty of Michael’s murder.
Michael had been approached by five of the group as he walked down Anerley Road, before all walking into the park together.
Just three minutes later, all of the defendants were seen fleeing the park on bicycles.
The fatal attack had taken no more than 120 seconds.
Police say none of the group ever admitted responsibility or provided any reason for their actions, however the court heard that they had believed Michael was a ‘snitch’.
‘Nobody should have to bury their child’
Victim impact statements written by Michael’s family were read at the Old Bailey on Monday (February 5).
Michael Jonas Senior, Michael’s dad, said: “Listening to the details in court about how my son was brutally killed will stay with me for the rest of my days.”
He said he was on the Number 3 bus in Crystal Palace on his way to meet Michael to put up some furniture when he got a call from his daughter.
She then passed the phone to a police officer, who said: “Mr Jonas, I’m sorry but Michael is no longer with us.”
“I then had to organise my first funeral, which was for my child,” Mr Jonas said. “Nobody should have to bury their child first. It is my death sentence.”
By early December 2017, all six defendants had been arrested and charged.
But the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) early the following year.
In October 2022, the CPS agreed to reinstate the original charges and the men were all found guilty of murder in November 2023/
Top row: Jamie Marshall, Jason Smith, Sorraviho Smith Bottom: Divon Henry-Campbell, Ryan Brown, Nyron John-Baptiste (Image: Met Police)Mr Jonas said: “It has been six years since Michael was murdered, and for some years I never thought I would get justice for my son.”
He told the Old Bailey that during that time he had handed out leaflets and put out appeals to try to get justice.
Mr Jonas thanked a “brave” witness who came forward and revealed how his son had died.
‘Michael was loved by everyone’
Michael’s mum said: “The night the police came to tell me my son had been murdered in the park, I passed out.
“I could not believe this was the same park I had been taking Michael to since he was young, and now he was lying on the floor dead.
“No words can explain the pain and hurt.”
She said: “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about him. I miss him so much.
“Michael was loved by everyone. He was someone who liked to be by himself, he didn’t want anyone to tell him what to do or control him.
“He was a talented young man with goals and morals.
“He was taken from us in the cruellest way and I hope we get justice.”
Michael’s sister said: “I don’t even know where to start. No words can explain how I feel losing my older brother, life is not the same anymore.”
Michael’s killers will be sentenced at the Old Bailey.
They are:
• Nyron Jean Baptiste, 22, of Queen Adelaide Road, Penge
• Divon Henry-Campbell, 23, of Fayland Avenue, Streatham
• Jason Smith, 20, of Bow Avenue Lane, Dartford
• Jamie Marshall, 22, of Burham Close, Penge
• Ryan Girense Brown, 21, of Sydenham Road, Croydon
• Sarraviho Smith, 23, of Grove Hill Road, Camberwell
Man Found Deceased on Quiet Blackheath Road, Investigation Underway
A man has been found dead on a quiet residential road in Blackheath.
The discovery was made by police in Corelli Road at around 8.15am today (February 6).
Officers currently remain at the scene while the incident is being dealt with.
Corelli Road Blackheath police incident: Live updates
While a formal identification is yet to take place, the death is being treated as unexpected and is under investigation.
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at about 08:15hrs on Tuesday, 6 February to reports of man found deceased on Corelli Road, SE3.
“Officers remain in attendance. Formal identification has not taken place.
“The death is currently being treated as unexpected and is under investigation.”
Tesco Offers Free Kids Meals This February Half Term to Support Families
Tesco has announced its Kids Eat Free scheme will return this February half term in all its cafes.
The cafes will offer one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with every item bought by an adult from as little as 60p.
Popular menu items include beans or avocado on toast, fish fingers, baked chicken goujons or a sandwich.
If your child opts for a hot meal, they can also have a vegetable side dish but if they have a sandwich Pick ‘n’ Mix meal, they will get a piece of fresh fruit and two snacks with it.
Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “We know that household budgets can be stretched over the school holidays, so offering free meals to children when they’re off school is one of the ways we can support families during this time.”
In 2023, Tesco provided more than 440,000 free meals to children and families during school holidays.
The supermarket is also helping families spend less by cutting the price of more than 150 everyday items by an average of 12.5% and price-matching hundreds of items to Aldi.
Bank of England expected to keep interest rates the same
It is also offering thousands of exclusive deals with up to 50% off through Clubcard Prices.
Customers can choose to exchange their Clubcard vouchers with Tesco Reward Partners, including at places such as PizzaExpress and Cineworld – the full list can be found via the Tesco website.
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How to get a free kids meal at Tesco this half term
If you’d like to get a free kids meal at a Tesco café this half term, here’s how you can.
The free meals are offered when an adult buys an item at the café – the item can cost as little as 60p.
You’ll also need to show your Tesco Clubcard to redeem the offer.
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New details have emerged in the case of Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, the prime suspect in the Clapham alkali attack that left a woman and her two daughters severely injured. As the manhunt for Ezedi continues, a friend of the suspect has claimed that he exposed himself to a woman at a bus stop, shedding light […]
Firefighters Tackle Extractor Fan Fire in North Laine Brewhouse
In a prompt response to an emergency call, firefighters rushed to the North Laine Brewhouse on Gloucester Place, Brighton, on Tuesday evening, following reports of a fire. The incident, which began in an extractor fan on the building’s roof, was reported at approximately 6:10 PM.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) Said “Brighton crews quickly dealt with an extractor fan fire on a roof after being called at 6.10pm to North Laine/Gloucester Place. No reports of injuries.” The deployment of two fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to the scene facilitated the rapid extinguishment of the fire, preventing further damage or risk to public safety.
Read more on www.Sussex.News
Experience Nature with Sir David Attenborough and Humble Bee’s Audio Journey
A first look at the latest Sir David Attenborough TV series has been released in what’s set to be a groundbreaking show.
The new show, Secret World Of Sound will look at the ways animals use sound to communicate, thrive and survive in the natural world.
Each episode of the three-part series will feature in-depth stories of eight animals, followed by five minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, using the latest in audio technology including specially adapted cameras and laser vibrometers.
Sir David’s new series will launch on February 25 on Sky Nature and on streaming platform Now.
First look at Sir David’s Attenborough new show
In a first look at the Secret World Of Sound, Sir David says: “The natural world is filled with sound, and for some animals, sound is the key to survival.
“The most advanced audio technology can now record sounds that we can’t even hear. Sound can make a difference between life or death.
“It’s time to open your ears to life as you’ve never heard it before.”
Sir David will explore how unhatched caimans communicate with each other while in the egg, how lions and hyenas battle in the dark using sound, a fish with an eerie hum and the mimicry in birds.
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Series producer Sharmila Choudhury said: “We are delighted to be able to reveal a fascinating side to the natural world that is often overlooked, showing the many astonishing ways that animals use sound to survive and thrive.”
Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual at Sky UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring this ground-breaking natural history series to the Sky audience.
“Offering a surprising and intimate view of the natural world, through the medium of sound, we’re thrilled to have worked with the incomparable Sir David Attenborough and the Humble Bee team on this innovative project.”
Fugitive Aristocrats Constance Marten and Mark Gordon Refuse to Reveal Daughter’s Whereabouts Upon Arrest
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Investigation Underway After Body Found Floating Dead in River Roding, East London
A grim discovery was made in the River Roding this Tuesday afternoon when a man’s body was found floating in the water, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Metropolitan Police, alongside fire brigade units, paramedics, HART (Hazardous Area Response Teams), and marine policing units, were scrambled to a section of the river in East London just […]
Seeking Witnesses: Littlehampton Assault on 12-Year-Old Boy
Police are seeking witnesses in connection with an assault in Littlehampton that resulted in a 12-year-old boy sustaining a broken arm. The incident occurred on 17 January, between 3:50 pm and 4:00 pm, on Cornwall Road, involving an assault by another boy.
Two women are reported to have intervened to assist the victim, and police believe they could provide valuable information for the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the event or has any relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the police through their online platform or by calling 101, referencing serial number 1300 of 18/01.
Read more on www.Sussex.News