The teenager was unable to convince a jury he was acting in self-defence
By Waltham Forest Echo

James Markham, a dad from Chingford murdered last summer (credit: Met)

The teenager who stabbed a Chingford dad to death last summer has been found guilty of murder, despite claiming he acted in self-defence.

In the evening of 9th August last year, James Markham, 45, was stabbed by the then-14-year-old boy outside his home in Churchill Terrace.

James had argued with a group of teenagers loitering near his home, reportedly frustrated by recurring antisocial behaviour in his road, and approached them with a drill bit in an apparent attempt to scare them off.

His killer pulled out a knife and the pair swung at each other. James was struck three times – in the back, armpit and chest – and the last blow pierced his lung.

Despite the best efforts of members of the public and paramedics, he died at scene not long after.

Detective Inspector John Marriot, from the Specialist Crime unit, said: “James was a loving family man who leaves behind a partner and three children.

“That day, they were met with a horrific scenario that no family should have to endure. I hope this conviction will provide them with some small measure of comfort as they continue to grieve James.

“The teenager in this incident was subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order and should never have been in the area. He had flouted it on a number of occasions. The knife he used was never recovered, indicating he went to some lengths to try to distance himself from this horrific crime.

“But my team worked to collate a wealth of witnesses, CCTV and forensic evidence proving his guilt. He will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars.

“I’d like to thank the skill and determination of my team in working to deliver justice to James’s family. Our thoughts remain with them.”

James’ killer, who cannot be named due to his young age, was caught after dropping his mobile phone as he ran away from the crime scene. He was quickly identified and arrested two days later.

During his trial at the Old Bailey, his lawyers tried to convince jurors he acted in self-defence, fearing for his safety after James approached with the drill bit.

Despite this, he was found guilty of murder, as well as possession of an offensive weapon, on Friday, 8th July.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 26th August.

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