A Woolwich man who stabbed a young dad to death in Peckham during a “pathetic” argument over who was staring at who has been found guilty of murder.

Parish Ofoeme, 23, stabbed 25-year-old Bilal Kargbo with a knife that he admitted to carrying “for his own protection”.

Bilal had gone to a mobile phone shop on Rye Lane with a friend on April 28 shortly before 3.15pm when he and Ofoeme encountered each other on the street and started to argue, Inner London Crown Court heard.

The row, which started over perceived disrespect shown to each other and who may have been staring at who, ended with Ofoeme pulling his knife and stabbing Bilal three times.

Police gave emergency first aid prior to the arrival of paramedics, but Bilal was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 4pm.

Police identified Ofoeme, of Burrage Road, in Woolwich, through witness accounts and phone records. He was arrested at a relative's address in Enfield on May 1, and was charged with the murder three days later.

Ofoeme claimed self-defence, originally claiming that he had taken the knife used in the attack from the victim.

Eventually he was forced to admit that the knife belonged to him and that he carried it “for his own protection” after a previous, unrelated attack on a relative.

Ofoeme was found guilty today (November 1) after a two-week trial of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was given life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 21 years, and two years to run concurrently for possession of the knife.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Jason Grafham said: “As a result of his habitual carrying of a knife, Parrish Ofoeme stabbed Bilal to death following a pathetic argument about respect.

“This took place in a busy London street in front of children, local shoppers and worshippers leaving a local mosque.

“It has had a devastating impact upon the victim's family, including his children who have lost their father.

“I want to make it clear that we will pursue not only those who commit such heinous crimes, but also those who choose to carry weapons. You will be found, you will be arrested and you will be held to account.”