Connection to murder lands man knife possession conviction
A man from West Kensington, implicated in a west London murder, has been convicted of knife possession.
Shakil McCrea, of Sinclair Road, who turns 28 tomorrow, was arrested on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at an address in West Drayton and charged the following day. He is due to be sentenced today.
Charges against him relate to the killing of 30-year-old Sean O’Neill on the evening of Thursday, May 18, 2023, in Reynolds Road, Hayes.
Dellan Charles, 23, of no fixed address was found guilty of murder yesterday, following a trial at Kingston Crown Court. McCrea was described as ‘an associate’ of Charles by a Met spokesman.
Charles was arrested after police issued a public appeal to trace him on March 26. Within 24 hours, officers had received information that led them to an address in Coventry, where Charles was located. The following day he was charged with Sean’s murder.
Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South department, said: “Sean found himself in the middle of a violent dispute between two groups. He was targeted by the defendant while he was running away and posing no threat.
“Sean was a much-loved son and brother and I would like to pay tribute to his family, who have remained resolute and dignified throughout the long manhunt and trial process.”
Sean’s family said in a statement: “It has been an extremely challenging 19 months since Sean was taken from us. Today’s verdict won’t bring Sean back or take away our unimaginable grief, but we are grateful that the person responsible has been held to account.
“Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun-loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.”
The jury heard that Charles chased and stabbed Sean when he became separated following a prolonged altercation in the street between their respective groups of friends.
A post-mortem examination confirmed his death was caused by sharp force trauma to the chest and abdomen.
Charles will be sentenced on March 17 next year.
Pictured top: Shakil McCrea (Picture: The Met)