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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Miriam Burrell

Lambeth murder: Man who stabbed teen to death ‘in cold blood’ jailed

It’s unclear why Sadikee Williams stabbed Keane Flynn-Harling to death

(Picture: Met Police)

A man will spend at least 21 years behind bars after stabbing a teenager to death “in cold blood” in a south London street.

Sadikee Williams, 37, was found guilty of Keane Flynn-Harling’s murder on May 27, although a motive remains unclear.

Keane Flynn-Harling, 16, was found with a stab wound to his neck on Kibworth St, in Lambeth, on July 5.

Emergency services ran to his aid after several members of the public heard the victim cry for help but he died at the scene 45 minutes later.

A post mortem examination confirmed the teenager died as a result of a single deep stab wound to his neck.

He had also received a significant stab wound to his face.

On Wednesday Williams was sentenced to life imprisonment and he must serve a minimum of 21 years behind bars at Isleworth Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, from Specialist Crime South, described Williams as a “dangerous individual who did not hesitate in killing a teenage boy in cold blood”.

He added: “Whilst his reasons for carrying out the murder remain unknown, what we do know is that the moment he saw Keane and his friends that evening he was intent on causing serious harm and had no regard for the consequences or devastation he would cause.

“Keane’s family have had to suffer this unbearable loss because of his actions.”

Keane’s family said he was a “beautiful, kind, caring and loving son”.

Keane Flynn-Harling’s family said the teen was a doting brother (Met Police)

They said: “A wonderful young man who would always light up a room. He had a huge smile and an even bigger heart. His family meant everything to him. He was a doting older brother and cousin who enjoyed riding bikes and playing football with his friends.

"Keane’s presence will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, especially his mother, father, brothers and sister.”

Williams and at least two other men had been standing on a first-floor flat balcony when Keane walked past with two friends, police said.

One of the men on the balcony shouted out to him and a “short exchange took place” while Williams ran towards Keane, stabbing him in the neck.

Williams and two other men then chased Keane’s friends but they were able to escape, while Keane ran for a short time before collapsing, Met Police said.

Officers were able to arrest Williams a week later due to a distinct jacket he wore at the time of the fatal stabbing, as well as phone cell data.

“In interview Williams replied no comment to all questions, until he was presented with CCTV from the day of the murder in which he could be seen wearing the jacket and had to admit it was him in the footage,” Met Police said.

“Ultimately, at trial he admitted being at the flat, but denied leaving the property to carry out the attack.”

On July 14 he was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

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