Life sentences for murderer of Jamie

So those who read my blog know that I have been following the trial of the 7 men who decided one day to rob a shop. Except the shop well rather store they decided to rob was a Matalan in East London whose manager was Jamie Simpson. During this attempted robbery they stabbed him and left him to die.

My friends world came crashing down. You see, I am a friend of his sisters , Mum, and know who his Dad is. They are a close knit family. It has been so heart breaking to see them go through these events over the last 2yrs.

There is no joy in watching someone be held accountable for killing a loved one, or someone you know. You only have the satisfaction that although the ones you loved are no longer here, those responsible are held accountable for their actions. How disappointed in them, their family and friends must be.

The sentencing day, I can only imagine brought some more pain to their hearts and does not improve with whatever sentences given out. Two years ago today is when Jamie lost his life and today the final parts of justice fell into place.

The young man who dealt the fatal blow Kobina Essel has been given a life sentence and will have to serve a minimum term of 20yrs. Anthony Maino was on bail for another murder and eventually found guilty, his sentence of 14yrs minimum is now an indeterminate sentence. Roy Williams the stores security guard was sentenced to 10yrs, Jamal Chambers given 7yrs, Duane Owusu was given 8yrs for being the driver.

Gone but not forgotten!!

Read more here  and and here.

Finally Justice for Jamie

I can only imagine what the Simpson family are going through right now. The convicted 7 men, whose current ages range from 17 to 31, worked in cahoots in a plan to steal from a Matalan shop which resulted in the murder of the shops manager. Jamie Simpson was killed as the villains made a vain attempt to rob the store in the hope of taking £30k of money they did not work for.

The final verdicts are as follows :

Kobina Essel, 19 was found guilty of murder. Simeon Jumah, Anthony Maina, and a 17-year-old youth, were convicted of manslaughter.

Jamal Chambers, 18, Roy Williams, 31, and Duane Owusu, 20, all from London, were unanimously found guilty on the conspiracy to rob charge. (source 1 … source 2)

My heart goes out to the Simpson family and friends who have been deeply affected by this tragic loss.

Murder of Jamie Simpson trial begins

In March 2008 my good friends brother was stabbed to death as he was working at the Matalan branch in Dalston, East London. He was the store manager in the midst of totalling the daily takings and usual after closure paper work.  His name Jamie Simpson aged 33. His life taking by some common thugs. His sister had alerted me to the trial dates which is taking place now at the Old Bailey.

This trial has an air of betrayal lingering about it. Not only was the 3 young men (if you can call them that) responsible. The in store security guard was in on the whole thing. He along with 6 others are now on trial. The youngest is now 17 and gets to keep his murderous identity secret. Let us hope that changes the moment he turns 18.

So far four of the accused have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob. However all seven defendants(more like rogues) have all denied murder. This is day one of the trial and it already makes me tearful just reading up on it.

Jamie was not just close to his sisters but to his family and to his friends. His death shocked everyone. His funeral was attended by so many people from not just Derby but all over the UK. The cathedral was so packed, that my husband , friends and myself had to stand at the back. There were even more people gathered outside the church who could not fit in, but stayed to pay their respects.

The trial continues at the Old Bailey in London.

Praying for justice for Jamie Simpson!!

This is London coverage of Day one of the trial

Derby Telegraph coverage of Day one of the trial