Man jailed for 22 years after detectives linked him to violent robbery in Barnet

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after a homicide investigation identified him as one of a gang of people who carried out a violent robbery in Barnet.

During a trial at the Old Bailey, a jury heard the group all travelled to 30-year-old Olsi Kuka's home address in High Road, N20, shortly before 03:00hrs on 11 May 2022.

They were split into two Mercedes cars that parked outside before the group forced entry into the flat and attacked Olsi, stabbing him numerous times.

They then ransacked his flat, searching for drugs and money they believed Olsi had in his property.

After the men left the flat, police and paramedics were called. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Olsi sadly died a short time later.

A post-mortem examination concluded that the stab wounds had been caused by ‘at least’ two different knives. There were also four metal ball-bearings found in his scalp consistent with being shot by an air weapon.

A murder investigation, led by homicide detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, used CCTV and mobile phone analysis to identify the five men involved in the attack.

Detectives discovered that one of the cars had travelled to the address four days before on a reconnaissance trip.

A police search dog also helped provide vital evidence to secure the conviction of a man for murder.

Dog handler PC Neil Dobson and a police dog called Monty searched managed to find £8,000 in cash hidden in the headboard of a bed that had not been found by the group.

Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Reuben Bernard, 19, (22.03.05) of Wootton, Northampton, was convicted of murder.

On Tuesday, 29 October, Bernard was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve 22 years. He was also sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to rob and three years for causing grievous bodily harm; these sentences will be served concurrently.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: "The violence used in this attack was calculated, vicious and unrelenting.

"The five men that have been sentenced had planned to rob Olsi and were prepared to use any force necessary in order to get what they wanted.

“We continue to pursue lines of enquiry that may provide evidence as to the involvement of other people in this atrocious act of violence."

Four other men have been sentenced for their involvement. They are:

Santana Thompson, 21 (04.02.03), of Aldriche Way was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Olsi’s manslaughter, 10 years for conspiracy to rob and one year for Section 20 wounding.

Daige Ramsey, 25 (30.11.98) of Winchester Road, E4 was convicted of the manslaughter of Olsi Kuka and jailed for 11 years. He was also sentenced to 10 years for conspiracy to rob and 12 months for section 20 wounding.

Ozan Seran 29 (05.06.95), of no fixed address pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years’ imprisonment. He was also sentenced to 11-and-a-half years for conspiracy to rob and nine months for section 20 wounding.

Bulent Bakir, 27 (05.01.97) of Old Road, Enfield, was convicted of conspiracy to rob and sentenced to six years.