Finsbury Park murder: Drug dealer jailed for 27 years

David Odunuga stabbed Brian Edwards three times following an argument between the pair in Tollington Park, near Finsbury Park.

Emergency services were called at 4am on September 19 and found 53-year-old Brian injured outside his house. He died a short time later.

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Odunuga's DNA was found on a key to a silver BMW X5 found abandoned near the scene.

The 33-year-old, of Rollason Way, Brentwood, was found guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon at the Old Bailey on Wednesday (April 3).

Victim Brian Edwards, who was fatally stabbed outside his home near Finsbury Park (Image: Met)

He was jailed for 27 years at the same court on Thursday.

Two of Brian's friends who had been at his house told police he had gone outside to meet a drug dealer and that they had heard him shouting for help, the court heard.

Neighbours told officers there had been arguing, and that the suspect was wearing a mask and had been rummaging in a silver vehicle left at the scene.

Detectives were able to link the silver BMW X5 to Odunuga from false details and addresses on insurance and registration documents.

Suspicion that Odunuga was the suspect was strengthened when a key for the BMW was recovered and scientists confirmed his DNA was on it.

David Odunuga (Image: Met)

Further analysis of his car's movements on the night of attack and his mobile phone data also linked him to the crime.

Odunuga was arrested at his home in Brentwood on September 22 following a joint operation between the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police.

A black balaclava and a large knife sheath were found inside another vehicle he owned.

He was charged on September 24.

During the trial, Odunuga admitted having changed his name by deed poll to get a driving licence and passport used to evade prosecution for traffic offences and circumvent a driving ban.

But he denied murder or being present at the scene, claiming a drug dealer took his vehicle as part of a drugs debt hours before the stabbing.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Carberry, who led the investigation, said: "This case is a stark reminder of the devastation drugs cause to communities across London.

"It should also act as a warning to those habitually carrying knives and engaging in serious violence that every effort will be made to identify and prosecute you, to ensure other families and communities do not have to feel the pain and loss that Brian’s family currently do."