Teenagers who killed charity worker in London for his iPhone found guilty of murder

Nathan Gilmaney and Troy Thomas carried out nine knife-point robberies and stabbed four people during a four-hour violent spree

(Met Police)

Two armed robbers who stabbed a charity worker while stealing his mobile phone during a four-hour violent spree have been found guilty of murder.

Abdul Samad, 28, was attacked by Nathan Gilmaney, 18, and Troy Thomas, 18, in Maida Vale, London, a short distance from his home.

In a four hour period in October 2017 Thomas and Gilmaney carried out nine knife-point robberies, stabbing four people and killing Mr Samad.

While on a moped and armed with knives they approached their first male victim and demanded he hand over his valuables.

The victim tried to escape onto a bus but they chased after him, mounted the pavement and Gilmaney stabbed him in the back, puncturing his right lung.

An hour later they attacked a man who was with his elderly aunt in Paddington.

They again threatened them at knife-point, stealing jewellery and money but despite taking everything they could, Gilmaney stabbed the man in the stomach, before making off.

CCTV images captures Gilmaney and Thomas on multiple occasions throughout the night (CPS)

Moments later they confronted Mr Samad, who handed over his phone without resistance.

Glimaney and Thomas drove off only to do a u-turn when they realised they needed the pin number for the phone.

CCTV footage showed Mr Samad doing exactly what they asked only for Gilmaney to lunge forward and stab him in the chest then drive off.

Mr Samad staggered the short distance to his home and collapsed on the doorstep.

Paramedics performed emergency surgery in the street but despite their best efforts, Mr Samad died there a short while later.

Mr Samad worked for the Dragon Hall Trust, which helps young people develop their computer skills.

His mother Layla Begum said the murder has destroyed her family.

She added: "Since his death there has not been a single moment that goes by for me without shedding tears."

"I would do anything to get him back. Sometimes when I am at home I think he will walk in again and that this has all been a bad dream.

"However, as each minute, each hour and each day goes by I then realise Abdul is not going to come back home. Abdul has been taken from us forever."

While Mr Samad was being treated by paramedics Gilmaney and Thomas continued to rob and attack several others.

They stabbed three more of their victims and assaulted a teenage girl.

CCTV images capture Gilmaney and Thomas filling up their moped with petrol (CPS)

As the authorities received reports of the crimes, the pair were spotted on their moped and a pursuit ensued involving a police helicopter.

Gilmaney took off his helmet believing officers would abandon the chase; however, given the severity of the offences officers had authorisation to continue the pursuit.

Both were arrested and found to have several of their victim's items in their possessions.

They gave no comment during questioning.

Detective Inspector Shaun Fitzgerald, investigating officer from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "The prosecution said Gilmaney and his friend Thomas were 'the highwaymen of the 21st century' and there couldn't be a more apt description.

"The teenagers believed they had the right to threaten and rob wherever they wanted, often stabbing their victims for no reason at all but to prove they could.

"They armed themselves with knives and drove around on Gilmaney's moped, with the number plates removed, with the aim of stealing as many wallets, phones and valuables as possible.

"Over the course of just four hours they carried out nine knife-point robberies, stabbed four people and killed Abdul, a charity youth worker and a valued and much-loved member of the community.

"Their behaviour is truly shocking, not least because the fact they had just killed a man and could hear his cries and the paramedics battling to save his life with surgery in the street did nothing to slow down their spree.

"They were caught that same night by police officers who set off in pursuit and bravely tackled them to the ground, knowing them to be armed. I commend their bravery and that of all the victims and witnesses who attended court to help secure these convictions today."

Sally-Anne Russell, from the CPS homicide unit, said: “These two young men murdered a man who had devoted his working life to help young people. They acted as a team attacking and robbing their victims in a brazen manner, leaving a family without a son.

“Although Gilmaney and Thomas thought they had disguised their identities by wearing balaclavas and helmets, the prosecution was able to prove they were responsible for the crimes.

“These young men were caught on CCTV in a lift, having taken their balaclavas and helmets off, as they attended an address to sell their stolen goods. They were also found with other stolen items when they were arrested.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Abdul Samad and the other victims.”

Gilmaney had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, three counts of attempted robbery, six counts of robbery, four counts of wounding with intent and one count of theft.

Thomas admitted theft, three counts of attempted robbery and six counts of robbery. He had denied four counts of wounding with intent but was also found guilty by the jury of those greivous bodily harm offences.

Sentencing will take place on 15 June at the Old Bailey.