South London has seen a wave of criminal activity in September, with several individuals receiving jail sentences for their heinous actions. From a revenge killer to a predatory pastor and a former footballer, these individuals have been held accountable for their crimes. Let’s delve into the details of these cases and the sentences handed down to these individuals.
Denzel Kwateng and Cheick Cisse
In a tragic incident in Mitcham, Denzel Kwateng, a 22-year-old drug dealer, was convicted of manslaughter after shooting Tyrese Miller in a revenge attack. Tyrese, 22, was fatally shot in the chest with a shotgun in April 2023. Kwateng claimed the shooting was accidental, but the jury found him guilty of manslaughter and sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years.
Additionally, Cheick Cisse, 29, and Mario Serban, 18, were found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Cisse received a seven-year prison sentence, while Serban was given an 18-month youth rehabilitation order. The discovery of the shotgun used in the shooting led to their arrests and subsequent convictions.
Sonny Panice and Daniel Griffin
In Croydon, a police raid uncovered a cache of weapons and drugs at the home of drug gang leader Daniel Griffin. The raid on Church Road revealed a sawn-off shotgun, a rifle, and £14,000 worth of Class A drugs. Sonny Panice, an accomplice of Griffin, was also implicated in the drug supply operation and was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
Griffin, on the other hand, was found guilty of drug supply, possession of firearms, and ammunition, resulting in a 12-year prison term. The discovery of these illicit activities shed light on the extent of drug trafficking in the area and the severe consequences for those involved.
Thomas Siggers
Thomas Siggers, a 30-year-old career criminal from Sidcup, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison for stealing luxury vehicles using sophisticated keyless entry technology. Despite wearing an ankle tag, Siggers managed to steal at least eight cars from driveways in Bexley, Bromley, and Greenwich. His actions not only resulted in financial loss but also caused emotional distress to the victims, including the theft of a 93-year-old woman’s wheelchair.
Siggers’ involvement in a shooting in Woolwich and an altercation with an off-duty police officer highlighted the danger posed by his criminal activities. His guilty plea to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, vehicle interference, affray, and theft from a motor vehicle sealed his fate behind bars.
Kiernan Hughes-Mason
Former Welling United footballer Kiernan Hughes-Mason faced a 14-year prison sentence for a violent attack on a two-year-old girl that left her with life-changing brain injuries. The 32-year-old’s actions inflicted severe harm on the child, leading to long-term physical and mental disabilities. Despite his past football career, Hughes-Mason’s criminal behavior resulted in a significant prison term for grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty.
Aniekan Akpan
Aniekan Akpan, a pastor at the Christ Paradise Church near Old Kent Road, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl. Despite being a respected member of the community, Akpan’s predatory actions towards the young victim were deemed reprehensible by the court. The victim’s harrowing experience of enduring abuse at such a young age underscored the devastating impact of Akpan’s criminal behavior.
Jack Wesley
Jack Wesley, a 35-year-old convicted sex offender, faced a 10-week prison sentence for breaching court orders related to his previous offenses. Wesley’s history of grooming schoolboys and pimping out young boys to adult men raised significant concerns about his potential to reoffend. Despite avoiding a longer prison term due to his ill mother’s care needs, Wesley’s actions demonstrated the ongoing risks posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses.
Malik Hutchinson
Malik Hutchinson, a 21-year-old from Bromley, received a four-year prison sentence for drug offenses involving the distribution of cocaine and cannabis. Hutchinson’s involvement in sending bulk messages to drug users in the Ashford and Folkestone areas led to his arrest and subsequent conviction. The recovery of drugs, cash, and mobile phones at the scene underscored the extent of Hutchinson’s criminal activities and the impact on the community.
Joel Victorious
In a disturbing case in Southwark, Joel Victorious, 51, was sentenced to life imprisonment for a vicious attack on a woman with a hammer and knives. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries during the assault, which took place in front of her children. Victorious’ violent actions and subsequent self-harm highlighted the severity of the incident and the need for justice to be served.
These cases exemplify the range of criminal behavior present in South London and the significant consequences for those who choose to engage in illegal activities. The sentences handed down to these individuals reflect the severity of their actions and the impact on victims and communities. As law enforcement continues to crack down on crime in the area, it is essential for individuals to be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their criminal behavior.
