Westcliff murder: Gang jailed for 112 years for 'bloodbath' raid

The men - who raided the home in Tintern Avenue, Westcliff - have been jailed after 25-year-old Asqeri Spaho was brutally stabbed to death.

Mr Spaho’s family said they now struggled to sleep because of the trauma of his death.

Another man stabbed by the gang said he keeps reliving Mr Spaho’s death and stomach injuries inflicted on him in the raid mean he can’t work.

The London gang had planned and carried out the raid on December 12, 2019 to steal the cannabis plants in the roof, arming themselves with swords and knives to clear anyone in their paths.

Two of them - Wesley Hendrickson and Leon Wright - both 32, were convicted by a jury for murder and attempted murder, along with aggravated burglary.

Four others - Mitchell Harris, Scott Heaney, Brian Kinloch, and Durald Sokoli - were cleared of murder but convicted of aggravated burglary.

A victim impact statement was read out at Basildon Crown Court during the gang’s sentencing by Mr Spaho’s uncle, speaking on behalf of his family.

He said: “My wife and I have suffered lack of sleep, anxiety and stress, police advised us to get medical attention.

“I am not able to go to work in the restaurant I run as the owner. I don’t get out of bed. My wife is always very frightened.”

The other man who was attacked said the knife wounds to his stomach were life-changing and he is unable to move around without needing rest.

He said: “I suffer from nightmares when I see my dead friend. I can’t go out because of infections, I have stomach aches and I have to lie down. I need surgery that I can’t afford, but can’t get NHS surgery due to my status in this country. I have no chance of getting any employment.”

Tim Clarke QC, representing Hendrickson, said his client had “poor mental health”, and a six-year-old daughter who he would not see grow up.

The other defendants said they were remorseful and maintained they never knew people would be in the flat.

However, Judge Samantha Leigh said: “I have no doubt that the defendants in this case new there were two people in the flat and that they would be present when they went in. The photos from the lounge area show a bloodbath, there’s no other word for it.

“Asqeri Spaho was left to die as they continued to deal with the cannabis, in my view only leaving when they realised the police were nearing the front door.”

Hendrickson, of Ashford Crescent, Enfield and Wright, of Highbury New Park, London, were jailed for life with a minimum of 30 years. Sokoli, 28, of Ayley Croft, Enfield, Kinloch, 32, of Beachcroft Way, Archway, London, and Heaney, 23, of Hurlock Street, London were jailed for 13 years for aggravated burglary.

She added: “In my view it could not have been more serious. You all played your part equally.”