Teen rapper guilty of Stephen Lewis murder

16 November 2009

A 17-year-old youth has today been jailed for seventeen years at The Old Bailey for the fatal stabbing of Stephen Lewis after an anti-knife-crime event in Plaistow.

Chris Mazekelua, who can be named on a judge's direction, is the fourth teenager to be convicted over the death in Whitwell Road in January.

Rapper Mazekelua was said to be part of a gang that attacked the victim some of whom chanted "shank (stab) him" while other party-goers filmed Mr Lewis being stabbed in the heart.

Mr Lewis who had recently served a prison sentence for robbery had fled his "safe" home in Blackpool to attend the event organised by the One World Foundation Africa in his home borough.

Investigation chief Det Ch Insp Stephen Clayman said once again the case has "highlighted willingness for some young people to arm themselves with weapons and in this case, to use them with fatal consequences."

He said a number of knives, including a machete, were found discarded in and around the scene after the police had arrived.

"This only reinforces the need for a robust response by the M et Police when tackling those who choose to carry such weapons."

He added the inquiry was hampered at an early stage by a significant lack of co-operation by more than 300 young people who were present at the scene "and who were clearly influenced by a 'don't snitch' culture."

Full story in Wednesday's Recorder.