Jury retires for verdict in Sven Badzak Kilburn murder trial

A jury is considering its verdict in the trial of two men accused of murdering a young man who was out on an errand for his mum.

Sven Badzak, 22, and a 16-year-old friend were targeted by a group of six youths as they walked along Willesden Lane, in Kilburn, on the afternoon of February 6, 2021, in what prosecutors have called a case of “mistaken identity.”

Mr Badzak, who was out buying orange juice for his mother who lives in Maida Vale, was repeatedly stabbed after falling to the ground.

His friend suffered multiple stab injuries but managed to run into a nearby Tesco for help.

Rashid Gedel, 22, from Ilford, and Shiroh Ambersley, 22, from Wembley, are on trial at the Old Bailey in London accused of murder, attempted murder and an alternative charge of wounding with intent.

Gedel and Ambersley have denied the charges against them.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC previously told the court the two victims had been walking along Willesden Lane where they were subject to “what appears to have been a gang-style attack”.

He said Mr Badzak was stabbed four times in an attack that lasted “no more than 20 seconds”.

The jury of seven men and five women retired at 11.17am on Friday.

Judge John Dodd KC directed them to try to return unanimous verdicts and said he did not expect them to conclude their deliberations on Friday.

At 1pm on Friday, he released the jury for the weekend and told them to return for a 10.30am start on Monday.

Mr Orchard previously said two other alleged members of the group were not in the dock.

Harvey Canavan, 19, from Maida Vale, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and unlawful wounding and Lior Agbayan had fled abroad, the jury was told.

The remaining two suspects have not been identified, the court has heard.

Further reporting by PA.