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Killer ‘preyed on West End victims’
AN illegal immigrant from Algeria who preyed on West End shoppers to rob, has been sentenced to 24 years at the Old Bailey for murdering a man offering him friendship.
David Cooper, 28, well known in the gay community in Soho and working as a sales assistant in the area, took pity on Mossab Belhocine, 19, when they met late at night at a bus stop.
Belhocine, lied when he said he had nowhere to stay, and Mr Cooper took him to his own flat in Calderwood Street, Woolwich.
Prosecutor Jonathan Rees said: “Shortly after arriving at the flat it is clear the defendant battered Mr Cooper to death with such ferocity that the victim’s blood was on the ceiling of the property.
“An imprint of the defendant’s training shoe was on his face.”
Belhocine ransacked the flat as Mr Cooper lay dying.
He stole bracelets, a DVD player, TV, laptop, and other items.
He also took Mr Cooper’s Oyster card, which led to his arrest.
The killer, refused asylum in April last year, was convicted by a jury of murder and robbery on November 19. He had previous convictions.
Belhocine, of Forest Road, Walthamstow, was sentenced to life with a minimum period to serve of 24 years.
Judge Stephen Kramer, QC, told him the killing was “ferocious” and he added “You are a man who preys on victims at night in the West End.” |
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