Two jailed for killing man and hiding body in car

Justin Henry was reported missing in October 2023

Two men have been jailed for the manslaughter of a 34-year-old man whose body was found hidden in a car in south London.

Lewis Benjamin, 30, was sentenced to 20 years for the killing of Justin Henry and for trying to cover up the crime.

His accomplice, 29-year-old Jamal Ali-Richards, of Thornlaw Road, Norwood, received eight years and six months.

The pair were convicted in April following an eight-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court and were later sentenced on 11 September, the Metropolitan Police said.

After Mr Henry was reported missing in October 2023, the two men tried to dispose of his body and destroy evidence, a Met Police spokesperson said.

Detectives used CCTV, phone data and forensic analysis to identify them and trace Mr Henry's remains.

His family said his death had left "a void in our lives that can never be filled".

They added: "While we are grateful that justice has been served in part, and those responsible for Justin's death have been held accountable, no verdict can ever bring him back to us or ease the sorrow we carry every day."

Lewis Benjamin was sentenced to 20 years in prison

Det Ch Insp Craig Magee, who led the investigation, said: "The deliberate actions taken by Benjamin and Ali-Richards to conceal their crime show a disturbing disregard for Justin's life and the impact on those who loved him."

Mr Henry was last seen alive in Croydon on 15 October 2023 before driving to Benjamin's flat. His car was later moved to another address, raising police suspicions.

Jamal Ali-Richards received a total sentence of 8 years and 6 months

When officers searched Benjamin's home, furniture had been removed, carpets stripped, and blood traces were discovered in the flat and nearby bags.

Mr Henry's body was found weeks later in the boot of a car parked in Purley, south London.

Benjamin and Ali-Richards later admitted perverting the course of justice.