In a shocking twist to one of Britain's most infamous murder cases, a key witness in the Damilola Taylor trial has admitted to giving false evidence in court. The revelation has sparked fresh outrage over the 2000 killing of the 10-year-old Nigerian schoolboy in Peckham, south London.
A Case That Shook the Nation
The witness, known only as 'Bromley' during the original trial, confessed to lying about seeing the attack on young Damilola, who bled to death in a stairwell after being stabbed with a broken bottle. This admission comes over two decades after the crime that horrified Britain and exposed deep social problems in London's inner cities.
Legal Fallout Continues
At the Old Bailey hearing, prosecutors revealed that Bromley's testimony - which claimed to have witnessed the attack - was entirely fabricated. This false evidence significantly impacted the initial trial, where two brothers were acquitted of murder in 2002 before being convicted in a 2006 retrial.
"This was a crucial witness whose testimony helped shape the course of justice," said a legal expert familiar with the case. "The admission raises serious questions about how the investigation was handled."
Community Still Seeking Closure
The Peckham community, where Damilola's family had moved from Nigeria seeking better medical care for his sister, remains deeply affected by the tragedy. Local activists have called for a full review of the investigation in light of the new revelations.
"Damilola's death became a symbol of urban violence and failing youth services," said a community leader. "Now we learn even the trial wasn't conducted properly - it's like reopening old wounds."
The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on whether the new information might lead to further investigations into the case that changed policing approaches to youth violence in London.
