Two men sentenced to total of 44 years for attack on brothers in Croydon

Two men have been sentenced to a total of 44 years for murdering a man and seriously injuring his brother.

Shane Canavan, 23 (15.04.01) and his half-brother Joshua Langley, 29 (27.10.95), both of Greyfields Close, Purley, were sentenced to life with a minimum of 23 years and 21 years in prison respectively for murdering 20-year-old Bradley Hutchins and seriously injuring his 19-year-old brother Calum.

They appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on 29 November to be sentenced.

At the same court on 8 July, they had both been found guilty of murder and wounding with intent.

The court heard how police were called to reports of a group of men fighting with weapons in North Walk, New Addington on 12 September 2023.

Officers attended and heard that Bradley and Calum had been taken to a nearby ambulance station. They had both been stabbed multiple times.

Bradley’s injuries were so severe that despite the efforts of the emergency services, he died a short time later.

Officers worked meticulously to quickly identify the suspects, with Canavan arrested on 16 September and Langley arrested the following day.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command built a case against the two, identifying where the offence had taken place and examining a crowbar, monkey wrench, knife and balaclava which had all been left behind by those involved. They discovered that the motive for the violent attack was a fight the previous week where Canavan had come off second best.

A combination of witness testimony, CCTV and forensic evidence would ultimately lead to Canavan and Langley’s conviction.

Detective Inspector Matt Read, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: "We hope this sentence brings a level of peace and a feeling of justice to Bradley’s family, after the utter devastation they have suffered.

"We worked very hard to identify the suspects responsible for this terrible attack and build a watertight investigation to get them put behind bars.

“We want to thank the witnesses who bravely came forward to help, and offer our heartfelt wishes to Bradley's friends and family as they live on in his memory."

Bradley’s mother, Jasmine, said: “Our whole world was turned upside down when Bradley was cruelly taken from us.

"Bradley and Calum had a special bond. The effect on Calum of losing his brother has been utterly devastating.

"Bradley had such a presence when he walked into a room. He was always happy and known for his infectious smile. He was so kind and gentle, protective of his family and friends and he hated injustice. He would always stand up for the truth.

"I will ensure my son’s name and memory lives on forever. I will continue to fight against knife crime and try to help others in any way possible who have suffered the effects of this.

"I thank all who have helped me and believed in my son’s good name. Bradley James Hutchins, our hero.”

As part of A New Met for London, tackling knife crime and violence is a top priority for the police. We have a duty to prevent crime and violence by providing diversions to those who need it most, and we will continue using every tactic available to prevent people getting hurt and aiming to bringing justice to those that are.

You can visit Fearless for advice, discover real stories about people who turned their lives around after being involved in knife crime as well as places you can go for further help and support.