THE tenacity of murder detectives, who compiled an undeniable dossier of evidence, resulted in the killer of Dariusz Wolosz, from West Drayton, being jailed following a retrial.

Dariusz, 46, was fatally stabbed in January 2022 and Hillingdon man Harley Dee Thompson, will now spend more than two decades behind bars.

Det Chief Insp Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: “There had been a dispute and Thompson decided this was worthy of a man losing his life.

“Dariusz had been stabbed with severe force in his groin and chest, and there was no chance he could have survived such a ferocious attack.

“My thoughts remain with Dariusz’s family and friends in Poland and London. I hope that the jailing of his killer provides some measure of comfort to them as they continue to grieve.”

Dariusz Wolosz was killed in Tavistock Road, where a fight had taken place.

Thompson stood trial at Harrow Crown Court in May last year. The jury were unable to reach a verdict in respect of the murder charge but did agree a unanimous guilty verdict on a charge of possessing a bladed item.

A re-trial began at Croydon Crown Court in December and, following three hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted Thompson of murder.

DCI Jolley added: “Taking a case to court twice can be a part of the criminal justice process. It requires dedication and energy from our officers to ensure that, regardless of how many times this happens, their professionalism is of the highest standard.

“I would like to thank my team for their skill and hard work, which had a significant bearing on Thompson now being jailed for a murder he undoubtedly committed, but did not have the courage to admit.”

Harley Dee Thompson, 29, of Albert Road, Yiewsley was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years, minus 732 days spent on remand.