Life sentences for pub pair after 'brutal' murder

Walcott (left) and Mali have been jailed for life with a minimum terms of 27 years after fatally stabbing Rijkaard Siafa last April

Two killers who went to the pub after stabbing a man to death at a south London market have both been jailed for at least 27 years.

David Walcott, 35, and Rammon Mali, 33, were convicted at the Old Bailey of stabbing 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa to death in Croydon on 12 April last year.

Judge Anuja Dhir KC said it was a "planned, quick, and brutal" killing committed by three males armed with knives against one man in a public place.

The third alleged attacker is still wanted by police.

The court heard how the attack took place shortly before 18:00 as stallholders were packing up for the day.

Afterwards, the defendants and a third suspect headed to The Spread Eagle pub and bought three pints of Guinness, prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC had said.

The men were asked to remove their hats under house rules and left shortly afterwards without finishing their drinks, the court was told.

Meanwhile, members of the public attempted to save Mr Siafa, but he "died in their arms", despite the efforts of the emergency services.

Walcott, of Norbury, south London, and Mali, of Croydon, had denied being involved in the stabbing.

They were found guilty of murder and Walcott was also convicted of having a bladed article.

Judge Dhir jailed them for life with minimum terms of 27 years.

The court was told both defendants had a string of previous convictions.

Walcott had convictions for 15 offences, including two for possession of an offensive weapon in public, common assault and causing grievous bodily harm.

Mali has convictions for 14 offences, including having a bladed article, robbery, and assault.

Rijkaard Siafa died after the planned attack in a Croydon marketplace

Mr Siafa's mother, Hassanatu Bah, read a statement in court about her "kind" and "gentle" son.

She said: Rijkaard had so much to live for. His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition, and his future was filled with endless possibilities - dreams that were cruelly stolen from him."

Ms Bah said her son was a devout Muslim who was "deeply committed to helping others and dreamed of doing so much more for his communities".

The Met Police is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent, the alleged third attacker

Detectives have offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent, who remains wanted for Mr Siafa's murder.

Det Ch Insp Samantha Townsend from Scotland Yard said: "The defendants acted together, as a team.

"Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa, and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.

"I am appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent."