A teenager has been handed a six-year youth detention order for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Khaled Saleh in St Mary’s Churchyard, Paddington, during broad daylight last year.

The attack, which occurred on June 19, left Mr Saleh fatally wounded following an altercation in the central London park.

The 17-year-old perpetrator, whose identity remains undisclosed due to legal reasons, was sentenced to six years behind bars for manslaughter.

Detective Inspector Ollie Stride, who spearheaded the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, commented on the brutality of the attack, stating, “The violence used in this attack left Khaled with little chance of survival.”

According to police reports, the defendant was armed with a knife when confronted by a group, including Mr Saleh, in the park. Despite numerous alternatives, the assailant chose to attack the unarmed victim, stabbing him and continuing the assault even after Mr Saleh had fallen to the ground and was defenceless.

The assailant fled the scene with two associates, leaving Mr Saleh critically injured as bystanders attempted to render aid.

CCTV footage captured the attack, leading local law enforcement to identify and apprehend the suspect the day after the incident.

During the investigation, police discovered that the suspect had attempted to evade capture by removing the SIM card from his phone and wiping the device within an hour of the stabbing.

Additionally, officers uncovered a distinctive jacket worn by the assailant during the attack at a property linked to him. Although the murder weapon was not recovered, law enforcement found a large knife during a search of another property.

Despite claiming self-defence, evidence presented during the trial at the Old Bailey in February, including CCTV footage, contradicted the defendant’s assertion.

On Monday, April 29, the 17-year-old perpetrator was sentenced to six years of youth detention, with an extended two-year license period.

Reflecting on the tragic outcome, Det Insp Stride emphasized the devastating consequences of carrying a knife, underscoring the need for continued efforts to combat knife crime in the community.