Amine Laouar, 21, of Oxford Place, NW10, was found guilty on Tuesday, July 26th, of murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent at the Old Bailey.

On Thursday, July 28, he appeared in the same court and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 38 years for murder, attempted murder, and GBH.

Leon Street, 48, was found with stab wounds shortly after 21:30 hrs on 11 January 2021, prompting the launch of a murder investigation.

Leon had just returned home from the shop along Neasden Lane North when Laouar approached from behind and stabbed him five times. The attack occurred near the intersection with Press Road and was completely unprovoked.

Leon made it back to his nearby home before collapsing in front of his partner, who called an ambulance. Despite the efforts of the emergency responders, he died on the scene.

On the same evening, another person, a 32-year-old man, was approached from behind and stabbed on Neasden Lane North.

He was lucky to survive his injuries and was eventually released from the hospital.

Because of the similarities between the two stabbings, the investigations were linked, and detectives launched an urgent search for the perpetrator.

They examined CCTV footage from the area and interviewed several eyewitnesses about what they had witnessed. Two knives were also recovered and DNA testing was performed.

The knives contained a DNA profile that did not match any records in the police database.

DNA from both victims was discovered on the knives.

Officers launched a large-scale operation to collect DNA from residents in the area and compare it to the profile found on the knives. They stayed in the area for several days while the crime scenes were forensically examined and nearby homes were visited.

Six days later, on the 17th of January 2021, around 09:40hrs, the attacker struck again, approaching a 47-year-old man from behind and stabbing him several times as he walked down Neasden Lane North. The man was taken to the hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds. Doctors said he was fortunate to have survived.

Laouar was identified as a suspect on CCTV recovered after the third attack. In the early hours of January 19, 2021, he was arrested and taken into police custody to be questioned.

He denied any knowledge of the attacks.

Specially trained officers searched his home and discovered the knife used in the third attack in a wardrobe. They also discovered a jacket stained with Leon Street’s blood.

A DNA sample taken while Laouar was detained matched the profile found on the two knives used in the 11 January attacks. The Crown Prosecution Service was presented with overwhelming DNA evidence, as well as CCTV and witness testimony, and Laouar was charged with the three stabbings and later convicted as described above.

Natasha Anodin, Leon’s fiancée, said in a statement read to the court during sentencing: “Leon and I met 15 years ago. We were the best of friends who quickly became soulmates. He was a devoted father, as well as a caring brother and son.

We got engaged on Christmas Day in 2019 and planned to marry in July 2022, but instead of attending our wedding, I have had to sit through his murder trial.

“The harrowing images of that night are seared into my memory, and they haunt me every day. Because of the constant flashbacks, I have not been able to return to my previous job and am still receiving treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I have so many unanswered questions that I know I’ll never get answers to, even though I know they won’t bring Leon back.

They say time heals all wounds, but I believe the heavy burden of grief will always be with me.”

Rian Anderson, Leon’s daughter, added: “Throughout our childhood, my father was always there for me and my brother. I recall him teaching my brother to ride a motorcycle and buying me a huge trampoline to help with my gymnastics.

“I also recall him picking us up from school in his van while blasting loud Abba music to embarrass us. Those are memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“This has changed our lives in numerous ways. The pain of losing him will never be forgotten, and I will miss him every day of my life.”

Detective Inspector Tom Williams of the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command stated: “Laouar carried out a series of terrifying and completely random attacks on three unidentified men.

“Any knife attack is abhorrent, but the way Laouar targeted his victims in such a frenzied manner with no provocation has shocked everyone involved in this case.”

Today, our thoughts are with Leon’s family.” He was a well-liked man on his way to the local store when his life was cruelly taken.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the two other men who were attacked by Laouar but escaped.” They demonstrated incredible bravery and resilience in assisting our investigation while dealing with the trauma of what had happened to them.

“We must also remember the impact that this series of attacks had on the residents of Neasden.” They provided invaluable assistance to our investigation, for which we are grateful.

The evidence against Laouar was overwhelming.” We were able to connect him to the attacks thanks to multiple DNA matches and CCTV footage. Despite this, he continued to deny any involvement, putting all those who had suffered as a result of his actions under even more stress and anguish.

“Even today, when he had the last chance to show remorse, he did not.”

“The lengthy sentence he received reflects the gravity of his crimes.” I hope it brings some solace to all those whose lives he has touched.”

The presiding judge commended the investigating officers for their efforts, recognising the ‘behind the scenes’ investigation. He characterised Laouar’s identification and subsequent arrest in nine days as a significant success.