A food delivery driver has been handed a life sentence for the brutal and senseless murder of a customer in a row over a cancelled meal.
Deniz Heydari, 32, an Uber Eats courier, was convicted at the Old Bailey of killing 36-year-old Bilal Yousaf at his home in Enfield, north London, on 4 January 2023. He will serve a minimum of 28 years behind bars.
A Fatal Dispute Over a Meal
The court heard how the violent attack was triggered by a dispute over a food order Mr. Yousaf had placed via the app. After cancelling the order, Heydari arrived at the victim's address and launched a vicious assault.
Armed with a knife, Heydari stabbed Mr. Yousaf multiple times in the chest and back. The victim, despite his injuries, managed to call 999 himself, but tragically succumbed to his wounds at the scene.
A Chilling 999 Call and a Cowardly Flight
In a harrowing piece of evidence, the jury listened to the 999 call made by Mr. Yousaf in his final moments, where he identified his attacker as "the Uber driver".
Heydari, showing no remorse, fled the country the very next day, travelling to Bulgaria before eventually being tracked down and extradited back to the UK to face justice.
Justice Served at the Old Bailey
During the sentencing, Judge Angela Rafferty KC condemned Heydari's actions, stating he had carried out a "violent, shocking and senseless attack." She highlighted the profound impact the murder has had on Mr. Yousaf's family, who have been left utterly devastated by their loss.
The Metropolitan Police's Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley praised the courage of Mr. Yousaf's family throughout the investigation and trial. She emphasised that "Heydari’s actions that night were utterly horrific" and that the lengthy sentence reflects the severity of his crime.
This shocking case has raised serious questions about the safety protocols and vetting procedures for gig economy workers who have access to customers' home addresses.
