Ali Abdul Basit, 19, has been convicted of manslaughter over the killing of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, a 27-year-old father, following a major breakthrough in forensic evidence.
The attack took place in Thornton Heath on 19 December 2023, when the victim was ambushed by a group of men and fatally stabbed after stepping out of his vehicle.
Police matched DNA from a cigarette butt found at the scene to DNA recovered from Basit’s asthma inhaler during a search of his home. The evidence placed him directly at the crime scene and played a key role in his conviction at the Old Bailey.
Basit had fled to Pakistan after the incident but was arrested upon returning to the UK in May 2025. Investigators also used mobile phone data to link him to other suspects involved in the attack.
Three other men had already been convicted for their roles, including Zak Baako, who received a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years.
Basit is scheduled to be sentenced on 22 May, as the case highlights the growing power of forensic science in delivering justice.
