Devoe Roach Killer Jailed

06 Apr 2009

Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott welcomed the result of 17-year old Devoe Roach’s murder trial last week.

21 year old Imran Khan was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years at the Old Bailey. Devoe was fatally stabbed in the heart in March last year as he walked through Hackney. Imran Khan used skunk cannabis and habitually carried a knife. He did not know Devoe but started an argument with him in the street that moments later resulted in the fatal stabbing.

Commenting on the result of the trial Diane said:

“This was a tragic stabbing that caused the needless death of young Devoe Roach. I am pleased that justice has been done and that the judge saw fit to hand out a suitably tough sentence. We must also congratulate Hackney police for their work in securing a conviction. This case raises serious questions about the potential dangers of using skunk cannabis. It also serves as a stark reminder to our youth – carrying a knife leads to tragedy. It is never worth it.”

Ends

For more information please call Caitlin Farrow on

020 7219 4426 or email farrowc@parliament.uk  



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