Man convicted of murder after detectives retrieve CCTV that disproves his claim of self-defence

A man who claimed self-defence following a fatal stabbing has been convicted of murder after detectives uncovered CCTV which disproved his claim.

Sabin Manda, 32 (27.08.92) of Popes Lane, Ealing, was found guilty of murdering 27-year-old Bajram Luli on Thursday, 26 September at Inner London Crown Court.

The pair had been involved in a dispute over drugs in Sudbury Heights Avenue, Greenford, on 11 March 2024.

Manda claimed he attacked Bajram in self-defence after fearing for his own life. However following the incident he went ‘off the grid’ claiming he was worried about possible retaliation.

In the meantime, detectives had secured CCTV footage which captured the attack and showed it was unprovoked. After using various forensic techniques, Manda was located and arrested.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, Specialist Crime South, said: “The investigation team worked long and hard to locate footage of this incident that helped disprove Sabin Mandas’s claims of self-defence.

“This was an unprovoked attack and Manda will now face many years in prison to consider the consequences of his actions.

“I can only hope his conviction brings some comfort to Bajram’s family.”

Manda was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the same court on Thursday, 11 October.