Craig's Killer Faces Lengthy Jail Term

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Judge warns man who stabbed Acton teen

The killer of Acton Teen Craig Marshall has been warned to expect a lengthy custodial sentence after being found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.

Kandeepan Balasubramaniam, 22, of Rufford Tower, stabbed Craig after a dispute over a £20 debt relating to a cannabis deal.

The court heard Craig was with two female friends on September 25th last year when he confronted Balasubramaniam outside his home in Rufford Tower. When Balasubramaniam became threatening he tried to flee but was stabbed in the back.

The court heard that Craig asked Balasubramaniam: "You are going to shank me?" before being stabbed.

Craig managed to get himself to Acton police station despite horrific wounds but died later in hospital.

Sri Lankan born Balasubramaniam was cleared of murder but found guilty of murder at the two week trial.

The popular former Acton High School pupil had not been involved with gangs. After his death his mother made a plea to people to stop going around with knives.

His brother Aaron, 18, created a shrine to his brother near the South Acton Estate. Some of Craig's friends took a matchday collection at a Brentford FC's match to raise funds for his funeral.

Balasubramanian was remanded in custory by Judge Giles Forrester QC custody until July 14 and told "You must expect a long custodial sentence."

 

June 17, 2009