Hani Solomon suffered fatal stab injuries after he was attacked in Ackmar Road, SW6, on 11 February 2021.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command immediately launched an investigation to identify those responsible for Hani’s death.
Extensive examination of CCTV showed three men waiting almost ten minutes for Hani to arrive before they met with him and his two friends in Novello Street, opposite the entrance to Parsons Green tube station.
After a verbal confrontation between the groups, Hani walked away with his friends but they were soon followed by the men – Abdallah Awil, Ahmed Fatah and Yousef Chamint who chased them into nearby Ackmar Road where Hani was attacked.
Awil initially stood trial in November 2021 having been charged with murder and GBH. He was acquitted. The jury was hung on the alternative charge of manslaughter and a retrial was ordered which began at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 November 2022. On Monday, 5 December, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Chamint and Fatah both pleaded guilty to manslaughter at a previous hearing.
On 5 January 2024, Ahmed Fatah, 20 of Fulham Road, SW6 appeared at Isleworth Crown Court, where he was sentenced to six year’s imprisonment and further detained under a hospital order.
Abdallah Awil, 19 of Dairy Close, SW6; Yousef Chamint, 19 of Pitfield Way, NW10, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, 13 March 2023, where they were sentenced as follows:
Awil was sentenced to eight year’s imprisonment
Chamint was sentenced to three years and eleven months’ imprisonment
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, who led the investigation, said: “This was a long investigation followed by complex court proceedings and I know that this has been a hellish ordeal for Hani’s loved ones.
“My thoughts are very much with them today and I sincerely hope that the conclusion of the legal process will allow them a measure of comfort in knowing that those responsible for Hani’s death will not face the consequences of their actions.”
In a victim impact statement presented to the court, Hani’s mother Aster Hagos said: “I would never have thought that on my son’s 19th birthday, I would be holding a vigil for him instead of celebrating his birthday. Hani had many dreams and plans for the future. He would have made each and every one of those dreams come true.
“My life has ended without my beloved Hani, I simply exist. It is so very difficult without Hani to sit at home alone, in solitude. Hani exuded kindness, and filled the room with so much joy and happiness. His infectious laughter and smile have been taken from us. My life has changed forever.
“The world was once full of many opportunities, however now without my son, I feel like I have no future. I used to be a happy person and loved life but since Hani’s death I have become a recluse. I often cry for hours alone at home.
“Hani’s death has destroyed our family. I am filled with excruciating pain, sadness and loneliness. I wish that I could have been there for Hani when he took his last breath to comfort him when he was in agony. I was not afforded the chance to tell my son that I loved him just before he passed away.”
