A KILLER has been jailed for life after murdering a father-of-three by stabbing him through the heart.

Michael Ugwa, 29, was killed at Lakeside Shopping Centre, after complimenting his assailant’s girlfriend on April 28 last year.

Muhammad Khan, 24, of Castle Drive, Ilford, Brandon Lutchminsing, 21, of Grafton Road, Dagenham, and Shannon Weston, 21, of Paddocks Close, Canewdon, were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Thurrock Gazette: R.I.P - Michael Ugwa was killed in Lakeside last yearR.I.P - Michael Ugwa was killed in Lakeside last year (Image: Essex Police)

Judge Samantha Leigh said: “I am satisfied that Mr Khan had the intention to kill, evidenced by his admission to Miss Weston prior to the incident.

“Mr Khan also struck out to Mr Ugwa’s chest, one of the most vulnerable parts of the body.

“He entered Lakeside with a face covering on and was arguing with his girlfriend beforehand meaning he was in an aggressive mood.

“Mr Khan was also very quick to bring out his flick knife which he admitted to carrying everyday for 18 months beforehand.”

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Khan and Lutchmunsing cornered Ugwa for speaking to Weston, who is Lutchmunsing’s girlfriend.

Khan brandished a knife and stabbed Mr Ugwa in the chest.

Mr Ugwa, of Rainham, east London, died of ‘catastrophic’ blood loss at the scene as the two men fled.

Weston drove the men away and helped her boyfriend to evade police between April 28 and May 4 last year.

Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen added: “Today my thoughts are with Michael’s family.

“They have shown a huge amount of dignity thought the investigation and court proceedings and while no sentence will ever bring Michael back, I hope they believe they have justice for him.

I hope this case serves as a warning to anyone else considering carrying a knife of the dangers of doing so.”

Following a trial between April 11 and May 21, Khan was found guilty of murder and Lutchmunsing was found guilty of manslaughter. Both men were found guilty of affray.

Muhammad Khan was jailed for a minimum of 27 years for murder, whilst Brandon Lutchmunsing was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Shannon Weston was given a suspended sentence of two years for each of her three offences.