Man convicted of manslaughter of “a loving father and a wonderful brother”

A man has been convicted of manslaughter for a “senseless” fatal stabbing outside a sports bar.

David Joseph Johnson, 37, Of Haddo Street, Greenwich, was today found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent following a three-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Ibrahim Bah, 34, described by his family as “a loving father and a wonderful brother,” died in the early hours of May 1, 2022 as a result of a single stab wound.

David Johnson has been convicted of manslaughter (Picture: BTP)

Following the verdict, Ibrahim Bah’s family said: “Ibrahim was a loving father, a great son a wonderful brother, and beloved to all those that knew him.

“He is greatly missed by all, and the loss of his life is tragic and unnecessary. His son will grow up without his father and we all wish that this abhorrent knife crime will come to an end.

“We are happy with the result and believe that justice has been served. We would like to take this moment to thank the all the officers that have worked tirelessly on this case, especially DS Paul Burbridge and Family Liaison Officer Jess Nye for all their support throughout this difficult time.”

“To Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.”

At just after 2am on May 1, 2022, a fight broke out following an altercation between a large group of people outside Belushi’s bar next to Greenwich railway station.

CCTV footage played in court captured the moment Johnson pulled a knife from his waistband and began waving it around, slashing a 37-year-old man across the arm.

He then made a beeline for Mr Bah, and quickly stabbed him once in the abdomen. Mr Bah collapsed to the pavement and was surrounded by people who came to his aid.

Officers and paramedics raced to the scene and Mr Bah was taken to a local hospital where he died an hour after the attack.

Johnson was identified by police who reviewed mobile phone and CCTV footage of the incident, and the following day BTP officers descended on an address in New Cross to arrest him.

He pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article at an earlier court hearing and will be sentenced on February 13.

DI Daren Bates, senior investigating officer in the case, said: “Johnson’s senseless and cowardice violence that night has resulted in the needless loss of a caring father.

“My thoughts remain with Mr Bah’s family, whose lives will never be the same. While no verdict will ever be justice enough for them, I hope they can take some comfort in the fact that Johnson will be spending his foreseeable future incarcerated.

“This conviction is a result of tireless work by our investigative team, who are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring Britain’s callous criminals are removed from society and put behind bars.”

Pictured top: David Johnson looks on at the panic of the public attempting to help his victim, Ibrahim Bah (Picture: BTP)