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Cab killer’s self defence claim
Fatal fight was caused by a £5 fare
A CONFESSED killer claimed yesterday that he repeatedly stabbed a mini cab driver because he feared for his own life.
An Old Bailey judge of six men and six women heard his self-defence protests at the start of his trial for murder.
Jurors were also told that four key eye witnesses to the slaying of father of five Mohamed Ali Maslah, a 41-year-old refugee from Somalia, have had their identities protected.
Unemployed Desmond Wilson, 22, denies murdering Mr Maslah – his widow and other relatives were in court to follow the case – who lived on the Wendling estate at Gospel Oak.
While doing a late shift at Archway Cars, Archway, he picked up Wilson on May 5 to take him to his home at McIndoe Court, Sherbourne Street, Islington.
At the end of the brief journey the pair clashed over an alleged demand for a £5 excess fare, said prosecutor Sir Allan Green, QC.
“The dispute about the fare led to violence. The driver was stabbed 11 times. One of the wounds proved fatal and was to the heart. Others included six to the back, two to the head and others to the neck and arms,” said Sir Allan.
Wilson went beyond any self-defence or provocation by striking out in revenge and retaliation, the prosecution alleged.
A verdict of manslaughter is open to the jury, added Sir Allan.
Judge Anthony Morris, QC, allowed witnesses yesterday (Wednesday) to give evidence from behind screens and with their names and addresses withheld.
“I have decided that this should be done in the interests of justice. It must in no way be held against the defendant,” Judge Morris explained to the jurors.
“A number of people living in the area heard Miss Rose (Wilson’s girlfriend) shouting and screaming hysterically.
“They saw Wilson, a much bigger, fitter, younger and stronger man, arguing with the driver at the back of the car. Miss Rose tried to push him into the flats but he wouldn’t go. He got angry with her and hit out at her and she ran away,” said Sir Allan.
Following his arrest, Wilson provided a statement giving his version of events. He maintained that although the cab fare had been paid in advance Mr Maslah wanted a further £5.
He claimed that the Vauxhall was driven at him, forwards and in reverse, and that he was then battered with a metal bar before drawing a knife.
“I just wanted to escape being hit,” he said. “I believed I was struggling for my life and used the knife to protect myself.”
The trial continues.
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