Renai Belle, aged 30, murdered a father in front of his child in East London

Killer Renai Belle (left, credit Met Police) and victim Josh McKay (right)

An Edmonton man has been sentenced to 28 years in jail for a murder at an East London barbershop.

Renai Belle, aged 30 and of Swaythling Close, was handed the sentence yesterday (Wednesday 30th) at the Old Bailey.

He was convicted in June for the murder of 33-year-old Josh McKay while the victim sat in a Leyton barber shop with his young son. Belle was also convicted of possession of a knife.

Responding to the sentencing, Josh’s mother Bash Kehinde said: “Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son. And his two children will now face life without their hero.

“To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.

“Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here.”

Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”An Edmonton man has been convicted of murdering a father in front of his young child at a barbershop.”

During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

During Belle’s trial the court heard that Josh was at a barbershop with his son in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, on Saturday, 6th July last year. At around 3pm, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack, following a long-standing dispute between the pair. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

Detectives discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Copper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, Wimbledon, on Monday, 8th July.

During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh.

During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

Tenika Parker, aged 39 and of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone, and Daniel Cooper, aged 22 and of Gosport Road, Leytonstone, stood trial alongside Belle. Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences.

Parker has been sentenced at the Old Bailey to two years and 3 months in prison. Cooper was sentenced to 7.5 months in jail.

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