A drug dealer who brutally murdered a teenage rival in a county lines turf war has been told by the victim's family that he will 'never be forgiven'. Leon Bangura, 21, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 31 years after plunging a Rambo-style knife into the chest of 19-year-old Kalvin Taylor during a two-minute drugs raid on a flat in Lefroy Road, Norwich.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
Reading an emotional statement in court, Lorraine Hall, the victim's grandmother, said: 'It takes longer for a coffee shop in this country to make a cup of coffee than it did for you to run up to the flat and kill my grandson.' Ms Hall, who helped raise Kalvin, said it is 'hard to articulate' the impact of his loss on the family. 'We miss him every day and will never get over this,' she added. 'We can never forgive you.'
Background to the Killing
The court heard that Kalvin Taylor was part of the so-called 'Batman' county lines gang, while Bangura was a member of the rival 'Lenny' gang. The fatal stabbing occurred during a robbery linked to a £200 drugs debt. CCTV evidence showed a white Audi A3 stopping near the scene, with occupants walking towards the flat. Bangura was later seen changing his clothing and entering a train station.
Despite Kalvin's involvement in drugs, his grandmother described him as a 'blessing' and said she missed him with 'every beat of my heart'. She expressed regret at being unable to protect him from the bad influences that led him astray.
Sentencing and Trial Details
Sentencing Bangura at Norwich Crown Court, Judge Alice Robinson said: 'I'm quite satisfied this was a murder done for gain.' She noted that Bangura had not only gone to recover a debt but to rob Mr Taylor of drugs and money. Bangura was found guilty of murder in January after an eight-week trial. He had also admitted to being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, and having a bladed article.
Collingwood Thompson KC, prosecuting, argued that the starting point for the minimum term should be 30 years, as the killing occurred during a robbery. Graeme Molloy, defending, said Bangura had a 'complex background' leading to 'immaturity, suggestibility and vulnerability', and had come from a 'broken home'. He added: 'That's his choice and he faces the consequences.'
Co-defendants and Aftermath
Bangura's co-defendants, Adam Dugdale, 56, and Carrie-Anne Hall, 52, were both found not guilty of murder and manslaughter. A fourth defendant, Soulay Fornah, 19, was cleared earlier in the trial, and Andrew Holmes, 52, was cleared of assisting an offender. Detective Inspector Dave McCormack praised the victim's family for their 'courage, dignity and resilience' and thanked all involved in the investigation for their 'professionalism, determination and absolute commitment to securing justice'.
