Ayanle Adan jailed for life after near-decapitation in Streatham



A petty criminal addicted to chewing the stimulant plant khat has been jailed for life after nearly decapitating a former friend.

Ayanle Adan, 26, killed Hanad Osman, 24, with two knives he bought from a Sainsbury's store.

He pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Osman in the courtyard of a cafe in Streatham, south London, in August.

Adan will serve a minimum term of 26 years for the attack. Co-defendant Ahmed Hassan was found not guilty of murder.

The court heard Adan used a "double slashing motion" with a knife in each hand to cause the "partial decapitation" of Mr Osman's head.

The Recorder of London Judge Brian Barker said Adan had earlier been asking about khat at the cafe which was frequented by Somalian men.

The court heard he was addicted to the drug.

Judge Barker said: "This killing shows a complete disregard for human life.

"The real background of this killing may never emerge."

Adan, of no fixed address, had 18 previous convictions for 26 offences ranging from assault to vehicle taking.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22272166



Apparently Adan pleaded guilty to murder this morning part-way through his trial at the Central Criminal Court. I would have said a minimum term of 28 years was appropriate had he been convicted by the jury, so this 26-year minimum term also seems appropriate.