Timothy Adeoye was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Donovan Allen following an Old Bailey trial

Ayley Croft Estate, where Donovan Allen (inset, right) was murdered by Timothy Adeoye (inset, left)

A “dangerous” man has been convicted of the murder of a “kind, funny and talented” 17-year-old in Bush Hill Park.

Timothy Adeoye, aged 20 and of no fixed address, was found guilty of Donovan Allen’s murder following a trial at the Old Bailey that concluded today (Friday 5th). He was also convicted on one count of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and threatening a person with a blade in a public place.

The court heard that on 7th February last year, three males were at a flat in Ayley Croft Estate waiting for a friend to arrive. But instead, Adeoye forced entry to the flat, produced a knife, and demanded to know where a friend of Donovan’s was.

While Adeoye was inside the address a male, who was with Donovan, called the flat and said that he was on his way to the address. Adeoye quickly told the group not to tell them that he was there. He took a knife from the kitchen and left the flat to wait for Donovan’s friend in the communal area of the building.

As Donovan and his friend entered the building and headed toward the flat, Adeoye approached them, wearing a balaclava with a skeleton face on it. He pulled out a knife and told them to empty their pockets. He took a bag from Donovan and searched it. At this point, a neighbour in the communal area shouted at the group to leave or they would call police. Adeoye threatened this neighbour with a knife.

Donovan and his friend turned to leave, but Adeoye followed them. He then stabbed Donovan in the chest causing the injury that claimed his life. Despite the best efforts of members of the public and the emergency services, he died at the scene.

As part of the investigation, detectives analysed mobile phone movement that Adeoye travelled to Paddington Station after the murder, where he took a train to Bristol, and then went on to an address at Fore Street, Trowbridge where he was eventually arrested on suspicion of murder on 10th February 2022.

On arrest, Adeoye attempted to escape from a rear window and also attempted to throw out his mobile phone – which was recovered by officers. On 12th February he was charged with the murder and other offences.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley said: “Adeoye is a dangerous individual and while I am pleased with this guilty verdict, there is no court outcome that could return Donovan to his family. My thoughts are very much with them today.“

Donovan’s mother added: “Donovan was polite, kind, funny and talented and he was taken from us for no reason at all. There are no words to describe the loss.

“If I lost a husband I’d be a widow, and a child that loses their parents is an orphan […] but for a sister who has lost her brother and a mother that has lost her only son, there are no words”.

Adeoye will be sentenced at a later date.

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