Couple drove with toddlers for 'targeted murder'

Ayowale Aladejana was found stabbed at a property in New Cross

A couple drove 50 miles with two small children to murder a 26-year-old man on his doorstep in a "targeted" knife attack, a court has heard.

Ben Wazabanga and Ronique Belfon, both aged 23, travelled from Bedford to south-east London to kill Ayowale Aladejana with the youngsters, aged one and two, in the back of their car, the Old Bailey was told.

Police received a call on Saturday evening that a man had been stabbed and was bleeding in the front garden of a property in Monson Road, New Cross. Mr Aladejana was pronounced dead by paramedics soon after.

It is alleged Belgian national Mr Wazabanga stabbed him once in the chest before the couple drove off.

Doorbell footage

Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: "This would appear to be a targeted attack on the victim.

"Both defendants travelled some distance with two small children in the car to carry out the attack."

Mr Holt said the stabbing was captured on doorbell video footage.

Beforehand, the defendants' car allegedly circled the address a number of times before Mr Wazabanga got out and approached the victim's home.

Mr Aladejana allegedly opened his door and was heard to say: "Brother, why you coming to my home?"

The couple were charged with murder on Monday. Mr Wazabanga was also charged with possession of a knife.

He appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey while Ms Belfon appeared via video-link for their first crown court appearance.

The defendants spoke only to confirm their identities before Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a timetable for the case.

A plea hearing will take place on 23 October and a trial lasting up to four weeks was provisionally set to begin from 13 April.

Remanding the defendants into custody, Judge Tayton said: "The nature of the offence appears to be a targeted killing and one that was planned."