Mohamed urged his attacker to put down the knife and tried to defend himself with a discarded toaster
By Waltham Forest Echo

A 22-year-old who stabbed a Leyton man to death “in a petty row over an alleged drugs debt” was jailed for life.

Kwabena Boateng, of Dod Street in Newham, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 29th July and given a life sentence at the same court on 3rd August. He must serve a minimum of 22 years before becoming eligible for parole.

The court heard he stabbed 33-year-old Mohamed Ensser from Leyton in the neck after the pair argued in East Ferry Road on 21st September last year, severing his artery and sending him into fatal shock.

Witnesses described seeing a desperate Mohamed try to defend himself with a discarded toaster and flee from his attacker, after urging him to put the knife down.

Kwabena Boateng (credit: Met)

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith said: “Our thoughts are with Mohamed’s family. While I hope they can see that justice has been done, I understand the enormity of their grief in such a senseless loss.

“Mohamed was not armed. He urged Boateng to settle things fairly if they must, but Boateng was ruthless and attacked without mercy. This was an assault carried out in full view of several bystanders and people watching from the windows of their homes.

“The argument was petty, involving an alleged drug debt and Boateng saw fit that the only way it could be resolved was with serious violence. This conviction highlights what anyone involved in senseless violence can expect; we will investigate, we will identify those involved and you will go to prison.”

Police enquiries revealed Boateng and two associates spotted Mohamed on the street and started an argument over money he allegedly owed Boateng for drugs.

After Boateng pulled a large knife from his waistband, Mohamed tried to defend himself with a discarded toaster, urging him to put the knife down.

When Boateng started swinging at him, Mohamed tried to run but tripped and fell between two cars. Witnesses watching in horror from their windows said Boateng stood over his victim as he lay on the floor and plunged the knife into him.

Several people ran from their homes to try to help Mohamed. He was heard to say ‘I’m going to die’ before he collapsed.

Boateng was arrested on 11th November last year by officers who found him hiding under a bed at an address in Stewart Street on the Isle of Dogs.

This article was edited post-publication to add Boateng’s sentence.

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