Two teenagers have been found guilty of the manslaughter of Bermondsey nineteen-year-old, Francois Kablan, who was stabbed to death in Great Dover Street last year.
The pair – one of whom is seventeen and from Eltham, the other sixteen and from Lambeth – were convicted of Francois’s manslaughter today.
Neither can be named for legal reasons.
Francois, a keen footballer, was fatally stabbed on May 13, 2020 after a fight.
Isleworth Crown Court heard how Francois and his friend became involved in a fight with the two defendants which “quickly escalated.”
Police were called to the fight at around 5.30pm, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, Francois was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest. The two teenagers were arrested close to Great Dover Street.
“My thoughts go out today to the family and friends of Francois, whose life was needlessly lost far too soon,” said Detective Chief Inspector, Kate Kieran, who led the investigation.
“Whatever instigated this dispute between the two groups quickly led to a situation in which the two defendants – who were both armed with knives – were not prepared to back down.
“Rather they decided to engage, leading to the most tragic of outcomes. It is clear to me that their intention was to cause at least serious harm to Francois, proving them to be dangerous offenders who have no place on our streets.”
Three other individuals arrested in connection with Francois’s death were later released no further action.