Gang clash led to teenager’s death

Trial opens: Jurors told of armed clash on street after party

A CLASH between two gangs in Beckton ended with teenager Olukorede Fajinmi (pictured) lying dead and another seriously injured the Old Bailey heard at the trial of three youths including the victim’s friend.

17-year-old Olukorede, known as ‘Shadow’, was stabbed in the heart during a confrontation of between 40 youths outside the Showcase Cinemas minutes after they had left a part at the nearby Powerleague leisure centre in Jenkins Lane on February 19 this year.

As he bled to death, one of his friends took revenge by knifing the alleged 16-year-old killer twice in the back, jurors were told yesterday.

Prosecutor Ed Brown said: “Whether planned or not the events in the minutes leading up to his death were the direct result of two groups of youths coming together, some loosely connected with two opposing gangs.

“The inevitable reality of this case is that young people were armed that night with knives. Had they not been Olukorede Fajinmi would no doubt be alive today.”

When the dead boy’s friend returned home it is alleged his mother helped him hide his blood-stained jacket.

Later he admitted chasing after the other group but denied using a knife.

The suspected killer, from Barking, denies murder while Olukorede’s friend, from Dagenham, denies wounding with intent. He and his mother plead not guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Trial continues