Killers hug before stabbing a father to death

A jealous boyfriend was caught on CCTV embracing his friend moments before they knifed an innocent father to death at a party, a court heard.

Kalid Abdi, 26, and Mohammad Butt, 22, attacked Nathan Mitra, 32, and anyone else they could find, just for socialising with Abdi’s girlfriend.

The pair had spent the evening of July 29 last year in a pub in Twickenham, southwest London, and Abdi had been in contact with his partner, demanding to know who she was drinking with.

He asked her to hold up her phone in a video call so he could see who was there, and told her to leave after spotting other men at the gathering.

Abdi had told his girlfriend he did not trust her 10 days before the killing and said: ‘Know u been linking other guys anyway so watch now.’

He added: ‘I only cared for you but you went behind my back…so you will have to suffer the consequences b***h.’

Abdi and Butt were invited to the flat in Clements Court, Hounslow, and started attacking male guests as soon as they arrived.

One man managed to barricade himself into a room while the pair targeted a woman, who they wrongly believed to be a man, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

The killers then set about Mr Mitra, knifing him once in the heart.

He managed to escape the flat but collapsed outside the block.

Police and paramedics arrived shortly after, but were unable to save Mr Mitra and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chilling CCTV footage played in court during the trial showed Butt and Abdi high-fiving and embracing as they walk to the party.

The killers fled the country for Oslo, Norway days after the murder.

Abdi handed himself into police upon return nearly three weeks later, while Butt was later extradited back to the UK.

Abdi, of Maitland Close, Hounslow, and Butt, of Twickenham, were both convicted of murder after a trial. Butt was also found guilty of possessing a bladed article.

Following Mr Mitra’s murder friend described him as a ‘lovely, kind and gentle soul’ and one wrote: ‘RIP Nathan. Top guy who will be dearly missed. Deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.’

Another said: ‘Nathan was an amazing guy, known him my whole life (22 years) he was my neighbour, very sad and very shocked to hear about this, I am going to miss your big smile, you could light up anyone’s day. I actually cannot believe I am writing this. Nathan rest in peace, you will be missed by many.’

Emma Currie, from the CPS, said: ‘This was a shocking and sudden outbreak of chaos and violence at what had originally been a relaxing and enjoyable gathering.

‘Kalid Abdi was furious his girlfriend had been out and about in the company of other men. It was his jealousy combined with Mohammad Butt’s willingness to use a knife on a complete stranger that led to a loss of an innocent life. Together their actions resulted in devastating consequences.

‘The prosecution case included mobile phone evidence and CCTV footage which showed Abdi and Butt’s chilling demeanour before and after the murder.

‘Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Nathan Mitra at this time.’

Detective Inspector Matt Read, Specialist Crime Command, said: ‘This was a senseless attack on an innocent man with young children and his whole life ahead of him.

‘I’d like to thank the jury for diligently considering the evidence during what was a lengthy trial.

‘I would also like to pay a huge tribute to Nathan’s family who have had to listen to the details of the case and the lies advanced by the defendants. They have remained steadfast throughout and I hope that these convictions go some way to bringing them a degree of resolution.’

Abdi and Butt were remanded in custody ahead of sentence at Isleworth Crown Court tomorrow (weds).