A 25-year-old man will spend the rest of his life in prison after he was found guilty of murdering Mohamud Hashi in Milton Keynes.
Lee Sopp, of Daniels Welsh, Milton Keynes, was sentenced on October 22 following a 10-day trial at Luton Crown Court, where he was found guilty by a unanimous jury.
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Mohamud was killed on December 11, 2019, after Sopp stabbed him in an area of woodland near the footbridge that leads to Fishermead from Milton Keynes town centre.
He was arrested a day later on December 12 and was charged on December 15.
Sopp will serve at least 30 years behind bars.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Today [October 22] Sopp has been sentenced for fatally stabbing Mohamud Hashi and he will now spend a significant time in prison.
Mohamud Hashi
“As this case has highlighted, carrying weapons can have tragic consequences.
“Thames Valley Police will always tackle violent crimes of this nature and deal with offenders robustly.
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“Furthermore, if you believe you have information about anyone who carries a weapon please report it to Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101.
“You can also make reports anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Deputy Local Policing Area Commander for Milton Keynes, Chief Inspector Kelly Gardner, said: “Tackling serious violence and those who carry weapons in Milton Keynes continues to be an important priority.
“These crimes have a devastating impact on families, friends and the whole community.
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“Our officers understand the importance of educating people on the dangers of carrying weapons and are committed to working with our local communities to make them safer.
“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mohamud Hashi who lost his life in such a tragic way.”
Left: Chainmail, top right: The sword Sopp was found in possession of, Bottom right: The murder weapon
At a previous hearing on June 29, 2020, and in conjunction with Sopp’s murder charge, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an offensive weapon for which he was sentenced to one year and 10 months’ imprisonment.
Sopp also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, which was namely diamorphine, and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, which was namely crack cocaine.
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For these crimes, he was sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of criminal property for which he was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment.
These will run concurrently to the sentence for murder.
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