Five Convicted in Stabbing Death of Greek Tourist in London

Five Individuals Convicted for Murder of Greek Tourist in London

In a significant legal outcome, five men have been found guilty of murdering 26-year-old Antonis Antoniadis, a Greek tourist who was fatally stabbed last July after resisting a robbery attempt. The verdict was delivered at the Old Bailey and marks a grim closure in a case that shocked the community and highlighted the dangers of street crime.

Mr. Antoniadis had journeyed to London from Greece for a week-long holiday with friends, eager to explore the city. According to the prosecutor, the young men who pursued him identified him as a potential robbery victim because he was carrying a designer bag.

Details of the Incident

The assailants, identified as 20-year-old Sofian Alliche, his 18-year-old brother Amin, and their accomplices Shian Johnson (26), Joshua McCorquodale (20), and Alfie Hipple (18), all hailing from northwest London, were convicted of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery. The incident unfolded in the early hours of July 7, 2024, when the group of friends left a nightclub situated at 32 Portland Place, near Oxford Circus, shortly after 8 AM BST.

Unbeknownst to them, they were being trailed by the defendants in a stolen vehicle. Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC emphasized that the victims had no inkling of the danger they faced, describing how the defendants had lingered outside the nightclub, scouting for a target.

At the time of the robbery, Mr. Antoniadis wore a Lacoste bag and a luxury Versace watch, valued at approximately £1,300. As they approached their residence in New Cross, one of the victims struggled to locate a key to enter the property. This moment provided the robbers an opportunity to strike.

A Fatal Encounter

According to trial evidence, Mr. Antoniadis was approached by four masked men while a fifth waited in the getaway car. As the attackers demanded his belongings, Mr. Antoniadis bravely resisted, using a bottle he had from his night out to defend himself. Tragically, his courageous act led to a violent confrontation, resulting in him being punched, kicked, and ultimately stabbed in the chest and thigh.

The assailants fled the scene, leaving Mr. Antoniadis critically injured. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries two weeks later on July 21, 2024.

Evidence and Testimonies

The court was presented with distressing video footage captured on mobile phones, which depicted the Alliche brothers and their co-defendants in the same vehicle on multiple occasions leading up to the attack. On the night of the murder, the group was seen together inside the car, primed for their criminal act.

A key testimony came from one of Mr. Antoniadis’s female companions, named Tia. She recounted the harrowing moment when faced with the assailants, who wielded large knives. She stated, “Antonis tried to shield us from the attackers,” and described his use of a bottle to strike one of the perpetrators just before the attack escalated.

While both Amin and Sofian Alliche claimed they did not exit the car, others in the group made variations of statements regarding their involvement.

Previous Convictions and Sentencing

The court noted that both Sofian Alliche and McCorquodale had records of previous robbery convictions, while Hipple and Johnson had prior offenses related to weapon possession. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn from the Metropolitan Police stated that the complexities of the case were heightened by the absence of CCTV footage at the crime scene, complicating efforts to secure justice.

“I am pleased our concerted efforts to find those responsible has enabled us to achieve justice for Antonis’ loved ones,” she expressed. Sentencing for the convicted individuals has been scheduled for October 3, 2024.