The man convicted of murdering Leo Marcus after a fatal street robbery stabbing in Woolwich has been jailed for life.

Shackim Purnell-Taylor, 19, fatally stabbed Mr Marcus in an alleyway in Woolwich after trying to steal his rucksack in what has been described by police as a "waste of a promising young life."

Today (January 15) at the Old Bailey, Purnell-Taylor was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 22 year's imprisonment.

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The teenager was also sentenced to six years and three months in jail for robbery, and 21 months for possession of a knife, both to run concurrently, as well as a 36 month sentence for a previous drug dealing offence which he was on bail for at the time of the murder.

Catherine Gould, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the homicide team in CPS London North, called it a "violent and fatal attack" whilst the victim was vulnerable and had his back to the attacker.

“Leo was stabbed six times to steal a rucksack which was then left at the scene, demonstrating the futility of this devastating violence."

Cliff Marcus, Leo's father, started a petition following his son's death calling for stricter punishments for those found carrying knives, and the petition saw huge support, reaching 75,000 signatures.

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Armed with a knife, Purnell-Taylor followed Mr Marcus down an alleyway off Tellson Avenue after it's believed he had received a tip off that a drugs courier would be attending the area.

Purnell-Taylor attacked Mr Marcus from behind, injuring him with the knife, grabbed his rucksack and his bike and then fled.

But as he tried to cycle off, Leo emerged from the alley and knocked Purnell-Taylor off the bike. A struggle ensued between the two men, during which Purnell-Taylor fatally stabbed Marcus six times.

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Purnell-Taylor left the rucksack on the floor and fled with two phones he'd found on the floor. Leo shouted for help and local residents found him, but he was pronounced dead later that day.

Ms Gould also said Purnell-Taylor had caused the family of Leo Marcus the pain of having to relive the case in court by arguing he acted in self-defence.

She said: "The jury saw through these lies by the strong evidence used in this prosecution, including the irrefutable CCTV evidence."

Purnell-Taylor, of Gunyard Mews, was traced to an address in Kennington and when arrested on fourth of July, he was found with a cut on his hand sustained during the fight.

Detective Sergeant Rob Tickle from Specialist Crime South led the investigation. He said: "I am pleased with the sentence today, Purnell-Taylor claimed that he was acting in self-defence but the jury decided he did no such thing and deliberately murdered Leo.

“Leo Marcus died at his hands, the victim of an opportunistic and violent street robber, who I have no doubt set out that day carrying a kitchen knife with every intention of using it; which he did with devastating consequences.

“Leo's death was a horrific tragedy for him and for his family, a waste of a promising, young life. His family's dignity throughout this process has been deeply impressive to any of us who have seen it."