A MAN HAS been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Alfred Purcell, 34, in Newham last summer. The trial of Keith Nelson, 51, of Mountsfield Road, E6, began on 25th April at the Old Bailey. He was convicted on 3rd May and sentenced the following day.
Nelson had also been charged with maliciously wounding a second victim during the same attack. He had pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, to run concurrently with the life sentence, of which he will serve a minimum of 23 years.
Nelson attacked Purcell on White Horse Road, by the junction of Gresham Road, East Ham, E6. The emergency services were called to the area. The London Ambulance Service gave Purcell emergency treatment, but despite their best efforts he died at the scene.
Police investigations revealed that there had been an ongoing dispute between Purcell and Nelson – which was probably revisited on the afternoon of the attack, when they had spent time drinking in Central Park. Nelson then went home and got two knives. He returned to the area of the park, found Purcell – and attacked him and a second victim. The police were able to trace him very quickly on the basis of information from witnesses and CCTV, and he was arrested two days later and charged after two days in custody.
Detective Inspector Domenica Catino, who led the investigation, said, “Nelson, incensed after the dispute with Alfred, picked up two knives knowing full well the fatal consequences that could result. He did not hesitate to use extreme violence. Sadly, Alfred lost his life and a second victim suffered injury as a result of his action. Nelson is a dangerous man who will now spend a long time in prison.”
•Read more about this story: East Ham murder: man charged
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