“cowardly” killer who stabbed a father to death in front of his 15-year-old son has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years.
Marcus Griffiths, 43, was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, having been found guilty of murdering Michael Fadayomi, 40, and the attempted murder of the teenage son Mr Fadayomi had been trying to protect.
On April 29 last year, Griffiths had told a fellow bus passenger: “I’m going to f*****g kill someone today. If you’re not careful I’m going to kill you.”
Two 15-year-old boys then boarded the 260 bus heading to Willesden High Road and sat close to Griffiths on the top deck.
Marcus Griffiths jailed for life
/ CPSFor no reason he became aggressive towards them.
The pair got off the bus shortly after 5pm at Willesden Bus Garage which was the next stop.
Griffiths followed the teenage boys off the bus and without warning began to attack Mr Fadayomi’s son with a lock knife.
The teenager managed to swerve the knife directed at his head twice. Then he and his friend ran off before calling Mr Fadayomi who made his way to them.
After hearing about the attack Mr Fadayomi verbally confronted Griffiths who had boarded the stationary bus again. He then exited and Griffiths followed him.
Michael Fadayomi was knifed in the neck and died in front of his son
/ CPSWithout warning, Griffiths attacked Mr Fadayomi from behind with a knife as he walked away.
Mr Fadayomi was stabbed a number of times including a fatal stab wound to his neck.
Griffiths calmly made off from the murder scene.
Paramedics were called but Mr Fadayomi died in front of his son shortly after.
Griffiths was arrested at his home in Cricklewood later that evening.
Kristen Katsouris, from the CPS, said: “This was an attack on a father who was looking out for his teenage son. Michael Fadayomi had simply wanted to protect his child and in doing so he lost his life. No child should have to witness the death of their parent in such cruel circumstances.
“Marcus Griffiths got off the bus and attacked Mr Fadayomi with a knife. And yet, during the trial Griffiths claimed that he had been acting in self-defence. When faced with the evidence, the jury were able to see through this story.
“The prosecution case included DNA evidence, video footage of the fatal incident and testimony from passengers on the bus who had witnessed Griffiths’ aggressive demeanour beforehand.
“A family has lost a father, son and brother and although nothing can bring their loved one back, I hope these convictions and the sentence handed out today provides some sense of justice to the family of Mr Fadayomi. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.”
DC Rebecca Corser, the investigating officer, said: “This is a tragic case in which a man has lost his life for absolutely no reason at all.
“Michael was not armed and did not show any physical aggression towards Griffiths. In a cowardly attack, Griffiths stabbed him from behind as he was walking away from the bus.
“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the Fadayomi family. Nothing can be done to bring back a much-loved father, however I am glad the jury has seen through Griffiths’ lies and he will now spend many years in jail.”