Two men jailed for manslaughter of Croydon man

Two men have been jailed for the manslaughter of 34-year-old Justin Henry.

Lewis Benjamin, 30 (29.03.1994), of Waddon New Road, Croydon, and Jamal Ali-Richards, 29 (20.10.1995), of Thornlaw Road, Norwood, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 11 September.

Benjamin was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, 14 years for manslaughter and 6 years for perverting the course of justice.

Ali-Richards received a total sentence of 8 years and 6 months, 5 years and 6 months for manslaughter and 3 years for perverting the course of justice.

Both men were convicted on Thursday, 10 April, following an eight-week-trial at the same court.

The court heard that, while Justin had been reported missing, Benjamin and Ali-Richards were actively disposing of his body and attempting to destroy evidence linked to his death.

Benjamin was arrested on 24 October 2023, while Ali-Richards was arrested days later.

They were both charged with manslaughter following a detailed Met investigation, which used CCTV, phone data and forensic evidence to identify the suspects and locate Justin’s body.

Justin Henry’s family said:

“Justin was a kind, loving, and vibrant soul whose life was taken far too soon. The pain of his disappearance and the unimaginable circumstances surrounding his death have left a void in our lives that can never be filled.

Since October 2023, we have endured an agonising wait for answers. While we are grateful that justice has been served in part, and those responsible for Justin’s death have been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back to us or ease the sorrow we carry every day.”

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Specialist Crime Team who led the investigation, said:

“The deliberate actions taken by Benjamin and Ali-Richards to conceal their crime show a disturbing disregard for Justin’s life and the impact on those who loved him.

“The sentences handed down today reflect the severity of their offences and the extensive efforts made to obstruct justice. This outcome is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of the investigation team.

“Justin’s passing continues to have a long lasting and devastating impact on his family and friends. Throughout the investigation and trial, the strength and resilience shown by them has been extraordinary. I hope that today’s verdict will provide an opportunity for them to begin to move forward.”

Justin Henry was reported missing on Monday, 16 October 2023, after failing to return home the previous night following a visit to his girlfriend.

Detectives began tracing his movements using CCTV, which showed him alive on Sunday, 15 October at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon.

He then drove to Waddon New Road, where Lewis Benjamin lived. His car remained parked there for over two hours before being moved to Kingswood Drive, a 19-minute drive away. Investigators believe Justin had already died by this point and that someone else moved the vehicle to avoid suspicion.

The car’s movement raised suspicions around Benjamin and further enquiries identified his associate, Jamal Ali-Richards, as also potentially involved.

When police entered Benjamin’s flat, it was nearly empty, with furniture removed, carpets stripped and signs of recent deep cleaning, pointing to an attempt to destroy evidence.

The flat was declared a crime scene. Forensic teams uncovered small blood spatters on the walls, and less than 100 metres away, discovered black plastic bags containing a heavily bloodstained section of carpet. Forensic analysis confirmed the blood belonged to Justin Henry.

Benjamin was arrested after trying to flee and discard his phone, which later revealed contact with Justin before his disappearance. He refused to answer questions and was charged with murder. Ali-Richards surrendered to police and was also charged with murder shortly after.

As the investigation progressed, officers reviewed extensive CCTV and digital evidence. On 6 November, they located one of two vehicles the suspects had recently purchased and fitted with false number plates. The car, parked off Dale Road in Purley, was examined by forensic teams who found Justin’s body in the boot.

On 17 February 2025, Benjamin pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, admitting to attempts to cover up his actions and destroy evidence. On 21 March, during the trial, Ali-Richards entered the same plea.