A Nigerian teenager, Jackson Uwagboe, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of a 21-year-old man during a violent incident in south-east London, after fleeing the United Kingdom following the crime.
Uwagboe, 19, was found guilty of murdering Robert Robinson during an attack that occurred in Deptford on June 6, 2024. He was convicted at the Old Bailey on February 10 and received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years to be served for murder, alongside convictions for robbery and possession of a bladed weapon.
Two other individuals involved in the crime, Ryan Wedderburn and Kirk Harris, were also sentenced to life imprisonment in separate proceedings last year. Wedderburn was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 years, while Harris received a minimum term of 22 years and nine months.
Investigators said Robinson was fatally injured during the group attack and died at the scene. All three suspects initially escaped, with Uwagboe leaving the country before later returning to the UK. He was arrested upon arrival at Gatwick Airport in February 2025.
Authorities described the attack as unjustified and rejected claims of self-defence, noting that the victim posed no threat. The conclusion of the trial brought closure to the victim’s family after prolonged legal proceedings caused by the defendant’s earlier escape.
The case has renewed discussions around youth violence and the role of families, schools, and communities in preventing young people from engaging in violent crime.
