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Mohamed Ali Maslah |
Cabbie’s killer: ‘I was struggling for my life’
Trial told accused used knife ‘to protect myself’
A CONFESSED killer claimed this week that he repeatedly stabbed a minicab driver because he feared for his life.
An Old Bailey jury of six men and six women heard the self-defence plea at the start of his trial for murder.
Jurors were told that four key eye-witnesses to the killing of father-of- five Mohamed Ali Maslah in Islington have had their identities protected.
Unemployed Desmond Wilson, 22, denies murdering Mr Maslah, a 41-year-old refugee from Somalia. His widow and other relatives were in court to follow the case.
While doing a late shift at Archway Cars, ini Archway, Mr Maslah picked up Wilson on May 5 to take him to his home at McIndoe Court, in Sherborne Street.
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 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.
Sir Allan told the court that people living in the area heard 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.” Wilson’s girlfriend tried to push him into the flats but he would not 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, from Gospel Oak, wanted a further £5.
Wilson claimed that the cab 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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