Essex Police praise Bravery and Dignity of Lakeside Murder Victim's family
Muhammed Khan, 23, was found guilty of Murdering Michael Ugwa, yesterday
Following the conviction of a man for murdering 29-year-old dad Michael Ugwa at lakeside shopping centre, Essex Police have praised the bravery of Mr Ugwa's family; while condemning 23-year-old Muhammed Khan's 'aggression' and 'determination' to use a knife.
Michael, accompanied by two friends, encountered three individuals in the food hall.
After a brief conversation, a confrontation ensued, during which Khan, armed with a knife, attacked Michael, fatally stabbing him.
The incident was captured on Lakeside's CCTV cameras.
Subsequently, three individuals were arrested, charged, and pleaded not guilty.
Following the trial at Basildon Crown Court, Muhammed Khan was found guilty of murder and affray.
One of his co-defendants 20 year old Brendan Lutchmunsing was found guilty of manslaughter
21 year-old Shannon Weston was found guilty of assisting an offender .
Senior investigating officer Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Michael Ugwa’s family who have shown great dignity through the investigation and court case.
“No conviction will ever bring Michael back but I hope this represents justice for them and helps them move forward
“Although this incident played out over the course of a few minutes, the fatal assault was over in a matter of seconds.
“This case shows the tragic consequences that carrying a knife can have and how quickly an incident can escalate when weapons are involved.
“Khan had tried to claim he was carrying the knife for self protection but there was no suggestion that he was in any danger in this incident.
“To the contrary, it was he and Brandon Lutchmunsing who were the aggressors, instigating the confrontation, chasing off Michael Ugwa’s friends, and cornering him before he lunged at him and stabbing him.
“The fact of the matter is you do not go out with a knife if you do not have some intent on using it.
“And if Khan had not had that knife, we would not be here today. He and Lutchmunsing would not be facing a life sentence, Michael’s children would not be growing up without their father, and his family would not be grieving the loss of a much-loved fiancé, son, brother, uncle, and cousin.”