Teen detained for life for canal murder

A teenager has been detained for life after robbing and murdering a 17-year-old who was stabbed three times and pushed into a canal.

Elijah Gokool-Mely, 18, attacked weapons dealer Victor Lee near the Grand Union Canal in Willesden Junction, west London, on the afternoon of 23 June last year.

He was found guilty of murder and robbery on Wednesday following a trial at the Old Bailey.

On Friday he was detained for a minimum of 20 years.

Two other teens, aged 14 and 15 at the time of the attack, were cleared of murder and robbery.

The Old Bailey had previously heard that Gokool-Mely wanted to steal Victor’s bicycle and his rucksack, which was said to contain knives the victim had bought online to trade.

Earlier that day the defendant had bought a crossbow from Victor and had arranged to meet him to buy knives, even though he had no money to pay for them.

Two men living in nearby houseboats acted quickly to pull Victor from the canal but the 17-year-old bled to death at the scene.

On Friday, Judge Peter Rook KC told the court it was a “vicious attack with three blows, at least one of them with severe force”.

He told Gokool-Mely: “In those few seconds when you stabbed Victor, you took away his most precious possession – his life.”

He said Victor would not have appreciated the risk he was taking when he agreed to meet Gokool-Mely.

The court also heard Gokool-Mely had a previous conviction for having a machete and had been on police bail at the time of the killing.

The court heard Victor, from North Acton in west London, had met his killer after developing an interest in buying weapons online, which he hoped to sell for profit.

Police believe he did not fully understand the harm others could cause with the weapons.

He was described by his family as shy, introspective, easily manipulated and at risk of being exploited.

His mother Kristina Lee described the “most terrible and unbearable pain” of losing him, saying family, loved-ones and friends had been “shocked by this brutal murder”.

She told the court: “My son Victor remains alive in my heart and in the hearts of those who loved him.”

Det Ch Insp Brian Howie, of Scotland Yard, said: “Victor was a young man who was not directly involved with gangs or criminality – he had an interest in buying, fixing and selling bikes.

“He had energy and drive but sadly not enough wisdom. His family have told me that he had an inability to properly assess situations, people or threats.

“When Victor crossed paths with the defendant, he [was taken] advantage of… and ultimately subjected to a sudden, unprovoked and shockingly violent assault.”

In mitigation, the court heard Gokool-Mely was remorseful and wished to “turn the clock back”.

However, police highlighted a notebook recovered from his prison cell last December containing handwritten rhymes.

One said: “Everyone on at the 8pm news, ITV, Sky, BBC, broadcasting the stabbing I done.

“The people that knew me changed their views. I tried my best to leave no clues. My door got boomed my mum’s confused.

“No I don’t feel sorry for the yute.”

Another line said: “On the phone I’m saying I’m innocent; hop of [sic] the call then laugh in my cell.

“Aye officer no I didn’t kill him; just stabbed him sent him heaven or hell.”