Kingston, England – Two individuals have been sentenced for the violent murder of Farhad Khalili, an attack that was caught on CCTV. Sean Deery, 28, and Sebastian Niven, 18, have been jailed for their involvement in the assault, displaying a level of ferocity and intent that shocked investigators. The convictions were secured after detectives discovered incriminating CCTV footage linking the two assailants to the attack.
Deery, of no fixed address, received a life sentence with a minimum imprisonment term of 25 years. Meanwhile, Niven, from Sugden Road, Thames Ditton, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years imprisonment. The release of Niven’s name was permitted after he turned 18, following the lifting of reporting restrictions. Both individuals were convicted at the Old Bailey in December and subsequently sentenced at the same court on February 19.
The attack took place on December 15, 2021, as Khalili was walking along Surbiton Crescent, Kingston, and was ambushed at the junction of Anglesea Road. He was then stabbed multiple times by Deery and Niven, and despite efforts from emergency services, tragically passed away at the scene.
The police’s swift review of the CCTV footage led to the identification of both attackers, with incriminating evidence linking Deery and Niven to the murder. Despite their refusal to answer questions during police interviews, the evidence was substantial enough to charge both individuals with murder. Detective Inspector Jim Barry from the Specialist Crime Command commended the quick response of the officers who responded to the call, as well as the invaluable support from the local community in helping to identify and detain both suspects.
While the motive for the attack remains unclear, the community’s unwavering support and the investigative work of the authorities ultimately ensured that those responsible for Khalili’s murder were brought to justice. The hope is that the sentences imposed on Deery and Niven provide some degree of comfort to Khalili’s family and friends as they grapple with the tragic loss.