THREE Ilford men who kicked a man to death because they said he had interfered in "Paki business" have been jailed for life.

Imran Maqsood, 22, of Richmond Rd, Sajid Zulfiqar, 26, of Sunnyside Rd, Zarhid Bashir, 24, of Meath Rd, were given life at the Old Bailey for murdering Christopher Yates.

The three men targeted the 30-year-old graduate (below) as he walked a friend to a bus stop on November 7 last year.

After a prolonged attack Mr Yates died from facial injuries the following day.

The court was told that a woman overheard Zulfiqar boast in Urdu that Yates had been killed for interfering in "Paki business".

Judge Martin Stephens told Maqsood, Zulfiqar and Bashir they would spend at least 15 years behind bars but said he did not believe the attack was motivated by race.

Mr Stephens said: "The jury has convicted all three of you of the callous and brutal murder of a decent man who was doing you no harm.

"I cannot see that there is conduant evidence that this attack was within the meaning of the term 'racially aggravated'. I have come to the view that I should not treat this as a racially aggravated attack."

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Boxall said the murder had had a devastating impact on Mr Yates's family and friends.

DCI Boxall added: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.

"On Saturday November 6, 2004, Christopher had enjoyed a night out with friends.

"In the early hours of Sunday morning, he walked a female friend to a bus stop ensuring she got on the bus safely, before making his own way home. Minutes later Christopher was brutally murdered.

"Christopher was attacked by three men. He had little or no opportunity to defend himself. He was knocked to the ground where the attack continued, and sustained horrific facial injuries.

"I would like to thank Christopher's family for their support during this investigation and hope that the convictions of those responsible for his death provide some small comfort for them."