A Plaistow man linked to a gang who carried out a machete attack last summer has been found guilty of conspiring to supply cocaine.

Connal Cocker-Dawkins, of Denmark Street, was today sentenced to three years in a young offenders’ institute at Basildon Crown Court.

The 20-year-old had been found not guilty of conspiring to murder Daniel Adger, 35.

Zakaria Lahrar, 20, of Dee Close, Upminster, was today found guilty by a jury of murdering Daniel.

On Tuesday, December 19, Daniel Boakye, of Western Green, Dagenham, admitted murder and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Lahrar and Boakye, 30, will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court at a date to be confirmed.

The court heard how at just before 1pm on Monday, August 21 last year, Boakye and Lahrar entered an address in Eden Green, South Ockendon.

Daniel was attacked by Boakye with a machete as he sat in a chair. He then ran outside calling for help while Boakye continued to strike him with the machete, causing injuries to his legs, body and head.

Passers-by quickly came to his aid and attempted to dress Mr Adger’s wounds but he died while being transferred to hospital.

Boakye and Lahrar drove from the scene in separate vehicles.

Extensive police investigation revealed the involvement of Boakye, Lahrar and Cocker-Dawkins. CCTV showed Lahrar and Cocker-Dawkins meeting at a hotel in Grays shortly after the murder.

A huge police investigation followed which identified extensive telephone, CCTV and other evidence proving the involvement of Boakye and Lahrar in the attack and the supply of controlled drugs by Cocker-Dawkins.

After today’s court case, senior investigating officer, Det Chief Insp Daniel Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Daniel Adger was deeply loved by his family and they miss him a great deal. His mother Diane has been present throughout the trial and has listened to evidence about her son’s suffering that no mother should have to hear.”

He thanked the members of the public who “bravely ran to help” Daniel.

Lee Dowman, 51, of Lytton Road, Grays, was found not guilty of murder.