A youth who admitted stabbing a man to death, clai

A youth who admitted stabbing a man to death, claiming
self-defence, was today (Tuesday) jailed for three years for
manslaughter.

An Old Bailey jury acquitted Olvlomi Adimode, 22, of
murdering Orji Maduka, 34, but found him guilty of the lesser
charge of manslaughter.

In jailing the killer for three years, Judge Neil
Denison QC said he could pass a lower than normal term because
the victim had ‘grievously provoked’ Adimode.

The defendant, of no fixed address in Clapham, also was
of previous good character.

‘But you did take the life of another human being and
you will have to live with that for the rest of your life,’ the
judge said.

The trial heard that Mr Maduka, who had a history of mental
illness and had previously attacked his sister and mother, took over
Adimode’s room at a hostel in Castle Street, Westminster, early
this year, after the defendant failed to pay his rent.

On January 4, when Adimode returned to collect the last
of his belongings, Mr Maduka, apparently for no reason, suddenly
started punching Adimode in the face.

‘The reason I picked up a knife was to defend myself,’
the defendant told the court.

‘There was no way I could handle him with my bare hands.

‘He was far too big.

‘I just wanted to frighten him, but the knife had no effect
on him at all.

‘
Adimode said he stabbed Mr Maduka when the man lunged at
him.

Despite being stabbed, Mr Maduka, who also grabbed a knife
during the struggle, picked up a television and hurled it at the
defendant, the court heard.

The violent clash continued for several minutes and Mr
Maduka was stabbed a total of six times.

One stab into his heart proved fatal and Mr Maduka died
later that day in hospital.

After telling his girlfriend and relatives that he had
stabbed a man in self-defence, Adimode gave himself up to police.

Mr Neil Taylor, defending, said the stabbing was completely
out of character for Adimode.

‘There is no indication whatsoever that Mr Adimode has ever
been a violent man,’ said Mr Taylor.

Counsel said the defendant wished to ‘express his regret
and remorse’ to Mr Maduka’s family.

‘When Mr Adimode realised he had done wrong he did not run
away, he gave himself up to police,’ said counsel.

‘This man realises the appalling thing he has done and
he will always have to live with that.

‘
ends