Teenagers who stabbed Hussain Chaudry in Walthamstow jailed

Ilford teenagers Marvin Ward, 19, of Westwood Road and Alexis Morris, 18, of South Park Drive, were both found guilty of manslaughter and robbery on December 17, 2021, after a seven-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

On Friday (February 4) both men received concurrent sentences to 20 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter, 13 years for robbery, two years each for two counts of grievous bodily harm, while Morris received an additional 12 months for possessing a weapon.

Anthony Nguyen, 18, of Lyndon Road, Belvedere, was found guilty of assisting an offender at the same trial and was sentenced to 18 months, subject to a 12-month supervision order on his release.

.Alexis Morris. Credit: Met Police

It comes after 18-year-old Hussain Chaudry was fatally stabbed outside his home in Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow on March 17 last year.

The court heard that the three agreed to meet Hussain to buy a designer jacket that he advertised for sale on social media.

The trio, along with two of Hussain’s friends, went inside Hussain’s address after Morris asked if he had a jacket in a smaller size.

Marvin Ward. Credit: Met Police

After initially appearing willing to pay for the jacket, Ward and Morris then got out knives and threatened Hussain.

Ward ordered a cab to pick them up, while Morris demanded to go upstairs into Hussain’s room. Morris began searching the home for more jackets, while Ward held Hussain and his friends at knifepoint in the family sitting room.

Upon hearing that his mother had returned home, Hussain went to protect her from the intruders in the family home.

Anthony Nguyen. Credit: Met Police

The incident spilled into the street, where members of the Chaudhry household were seeking to detain Ward who had attempted to escape the scene with the jacket in a waiting taxi-cab.

During the struggle, Hussain suffered a fatal stab injury to his neck, his mother suffered a serious injury to her thumb and his brother an injury to his hand. Ward then fled the scene.

Emergency services were called to the scene and, despite the efforts of an off-duty doctor, Hussain died at the scene a short time later.

A statement from the family read: "We are pleased that the jury has returned guilty verdicts for the cowardly robbers who unlawfully killed our beloved Hussain and wounded his mother and brother during their attempt to rob our family home.

"Ultimate justice is from God Almighty and whilst nothing will ease the pain of losing Hussain, we are grateful that those responsible have been caught and convicted of his unlawful killing and robbery

"These are cowardly robbers and killers who draw a false sense of strength and arrogance from carrying knives. However, on 17 March 2021 they were confronted with real strength and true courage when they failed to intimidate Hussain - who fought back alongside his brothers and friends to protect his mother, home and family.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been supporting us with goodwill and prayers throughout this ordeal. Thank you to all of the witnesses who came forward and the press who reported on this tragedy with great respect for Hussain’s memory. We are also eternally grateful to the absolutely incredible teams from the Metropolitan Police and the CPS who worked with great dedication to ensure that justice was achieved for Hussain.

"Hussain lives on through his legacy and this will continue as long as we all uphold the values that he embodied - Love, Honour and Bravery.

"With thanks again to all from the family of Hussain."

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Stubbins, the senior officer in the case, said: “Hussain’s death was a tragedy that shocked the community to its core. His life was tragically cut short due to the actions of two young men the same age as him.

“This case demonstrates the devastating consequences of arming yourself with a knife in order to commit crime.

“Hussain’s family, who tried to defend and protect him on the day, have not only been left with physical scars, but face the huge emotional and psychological burden of trying to come to terms with his death.

“I would like to pay tribute to the family and all the witnesses who have attended court to ensure that Hussain’s killers are brought to justice.”