'Hellish' Court Ordeal of Hani Solomon's Family Ends
Three men jailed for manslaughter after 'complex' Met investigation
The trio who killed Hani - Abdallah Awil, Yousef Chamint and Ahmed Fatah
January 9, 2024
Lengthy court proceedings relating to the murder of a teenager in Parsons Green have finally come to an end nearly three years after his death.
Hani Solomon was 18-years-old and living in Putney when he received the fatal stab wounds after being attacked on Ackmar Road on 11 February 2021.
The police quickly identified the three men responsible, Abdallah Awil, Ahmed Fatah and Yousef Chamint, by analysing CCTV which showed them waiting near Novello Street close to the entrance to Parsons Green tube station. They had come to the scene armed with knives.
Hani arrived with two friends and there was a verbal confrontation between the two groups. Hani walked away with his friends but the trio followed and then gave chase catching Hani near the White Horse pub where they attacked him.
20-year-old Fatah, of Fulham Road SW6, and 19-year-old Chamint of Pitfield Road NW10, admitted a charge of manslaughter but 19-year-old Awil of Dairy Close SW6 stood trial for murder and GBH in November 2021 and was acquitted of murder with the jury hung over the alternative charge of manslaughter. A retrial was held a year later and a new jury at Isleworth Crown Court found him guilty of manslaughter on 5 December 2022.
Although they remained remanded in custody, Awil and Chamint were not sentenced until March 2023 with Awil jailed for eight years and Chamint getting three years and eleven months.
Fatah was sentenced on Friday 5 January 2024 and given six year’s imprisonment and further detained under hospital order.
Hani was an only child who came to London with his family from Saudi Arabia. He was a talented footballer who had recently completed a Prince's Trust course and had ambitions of going into business. His friends say he was a calm person who was not involved with gangs.
Hani Solomon had recently completed a Prince's Trust course
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall, who led the investigation, said, “This was a long investigation followed by complex court proceedings and I know that this has been a hellish ordeal for Hani’s loved ones.
“My thoughts are very much with them today and I sincerely hope that the conclusion of the legal process will allow them a measure of comfort in knowing that those responsible for Hani’s death will not face the consequences of their actions.”
In a victim impact statement presented to court, Hani’s mother Aster Hagos said, “I would never have thought that on my son’s 19th birthday, I would be holding a vigil for him instead of celebrating his birthday. Hani had many dreams and plans for the future. He would have made each and every one of those dreams come true.
“My life has ended without my beloved Hani, I simply exist. It is so very difficult without Hani to sit at home alone, in solitude. Hani exuded kindness, and filled the room with so much joy and happiness. His infectious laughter and smile have been taken from us. My life has changed forever.
“The world was once full of many opportunities, however now without my son, I feel like I have no future. I used to be a happy person and loved life but since Hani’s death I have become a recluse. I often cry for hours alone at home.
“Hani’s death has destroyed our family. I am filled with excruciating pain, sadness and loneliness. I wish that I could have been there for Hani when he took his last breath to comfort him when he was in agony. I was not afforded the chance to tell my son that I loved him just before he passed away.”
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