A CRACK addict who murdered a young architect during his lunch break has been jailed for life.

Jobless and homeless Christopher Olokun, 31, stabbed 29-year-old Bernard Hegarty while trying to steal his wallet and mobile phone.

The Old Bailey was told that Olokun carried out the bungled street robbery in Bethnal Green in August 2004 to feed his drug habit.

Judge John Diehl said Olokun was: "Looking for someone to fund his next fix, irrespective of the consequences."

Olokun was also found guilty of five other knife-point robberies.

After the case Detective Chief Inspector Jim Condron said: "This was an appalling, unprovoked and pointless murder which has had a devastating impact on Mr Hegarty's family and friends.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.

"Bernard was a well-loved and caring man who had a bright future ahead of him as a qualified and respected architect.

"He had been looking-forward to moving into a new flat in London and was shopping for furnishings when he crossed paths with Olokun.

"Bernard was a strong and courageous man who refused to be intimidated by Olokun's threats. Unfortunately it was his courage which cost him his life.

"We can only hope that Olokun's conviction here today provides Bernard's family with some small comfort and solace."