A 14-year-old boy appeared in court today accused of murdering a father who was fatally stabbed while trying to defend his teenage daughter from thugs.
James Markham, 45, was attacked after confronting a group of teenagers allegedly targeting his daughter Chloe, 17, in Chingford, East London, on Monday evening.
The boy appeared at Stratford Youth Court today after being charged with murder, possession of a knife in a public place and breach of a criminal behaviour order.
The court heard that Mr Markham was stabbed after confronting youths who had been shouting and swearing outside his home and who had yelled at his daughter.
The boy, who spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address, was remanded in youth detention accommodation to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, August 17.
Jamie Markham (centre), 45, was fatally stabbed in Chingford, East London, on Monday evening. He is pictured with his wife Candice (right) and his 17-year-old daughter Chloe (left)
A police tent on Tuesday after Mr Markham was fatally stabbed in Chingford, East London
Scotland Yard said earlier today that a second boy, also 14, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, has been released under investigation.
A 16-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has also been released under investigation, the force added.
Mr Markham was described as ‘a man with a good heart and good soul’ by a family friend this week, while floral tributes have been laid at the scene in his memory.
Bystanders said the tiler’s wife Candice was heard screaming after she found him fatally wounded outside their home, and police were called at 6.20pm.
A family friend, who was tearful as she approached the scene of the stabbing and did not want to be named, said: ‘He was my friend, my neighbour. He was kind,
Police investigate in Chingford on Tuesday following the fatal stabbing on Monday evening
‘A lovely man, a worker. He would wake up at 5am, come back 6pm, doing the daily routine with the kids, always with the kids. We are devastated for Jamie.
‘He was kind, a good person, someone who will always be there for you. Anything that you need, he’ll always be there, fixing anything that you need from the house.
‘He was always working. He was a very good person, a man with a good heart, a good soul, he didn’t deserve that.’
A note with one bouquet of flowers read: ‘Thinking of you all. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much love. 37th Chingford Scout Group xx.’
Scotland Yard Detective Inspector John Marriott said: ‘We believe that James confronted a group of youths causing a disturbance and was stabbed as a result.
Detectives from the Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command launched a murder investigation
‘The brutality of this response is beyond shocking and our thoughts are with James’ family who have been left devastated by their loss.’
A post-mortem examination showed he died of a stab wound to the lung. Father-of-three Mr Markham was described by neighbours as a ‘kind, family man’.
The Metropolitan Police said his family are being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker, responsible for local policing in Waltham Forest, said: ‘The Met remains committed to tackling violence across London.’
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information about it, is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, giving the reference 5735/09AUG. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9890287/Boy-14-charged-murdering-father-45-East-London.html
