Timothy Adeoye, refused to leave prison to attend his sentencing for stabbing Donovan Allen

In a chilling and unprecedented turn of events, 20-year-old Timothy Adeoye shocked the courtroom and the nation when he refused to leave Pentonville prison to attend his sentencing hearing for the tragic stabbing of 18-year-old Donavan Allen in Enfield, north London.

According to Sky News on Monday September 4 2023, this disturbing incident unfolded on February 7th last year, leaving a community in grief and disbelief.

Donavan Allen, a promising young rap artist, had his life cut short by the senseless act of violence.

What makes this case even more unsettling is that Allen was not the intended target of Adeoye’s aggression.

As the victim’s family gathered at the Old Bailey on that fateful Monday, they hoped to witness Adeoye face justice for the murder that had devastated their lives.

However, their hopes were dashed when Adeoye refused to leave his prison cell.

Judge Philip Katz KC, presiding over the case, did not mince words as he delivered Adeoye’s sentence in absentia.

He denounced Adeoye’s decision, stating that it exhibited “a lack of empathy and cowardice.” The judgment was swift and severe, with Adeoye receiving a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years.

This dramatic refusal to attend his sentencing comes shortly after the government’s announcement of plans to compel criminals to appear at their sentencing hearings, even using force if necessary.

This development follows a series of high-profile cases, including that of child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby, which has brought the issue of criminal accountability into sharp focus.

The details of the crime are as harrowing as they are shocking. Adeoye, who was known by the moniker “T-Trapz,” attacked Donavan Allen with a large kitchen knife.

CCTV footage captured Adeoye wearing a distinctive skull mask, which had gained notoriety through the Call Of Duty video game.

This chilling choice of attire would later become a critical piece of evidence in the case.

Adeoye vehemently denied the murder charges, claiming that he was not responsible for Allen’s death, who succumbed to a single stab wound to the chest.

However, the jury at the Old Bailey did not buy into his denial. In May, they found Adeoye guilty of murder, possession of a knife, and making threats to another person with a blade.

The trial heard accounts from witnesses who had interacted with Adeoye on that fateful day.

He had been actively seeking Allen’s friend, wearing what was described as a “scary mask or balaclava” and asking for information.

Prosecutor Alan Gardner KC underscored the significance of the face mask, emphasizing that it played a pivotal role in the case. Adeoye’s choice to wear the mask was not only unsettling but also instrumental in tying him to the crime.

The impact of Donavan Allen’s tragic death reverberated far beyond the courtroom.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, his father, Orlando Allen, conveyed the heartbreaking loss of a young man full of promise.

Donavan had been enthusiastic about his passion for writing lyrics, creating rap videos, and performing.

His dreams were cut short by a single act of violence, leaving his family grappling with an irreparable void.

The refusal of Timothy Adeoye to attend his own sentencing hearing will remain a haunting and unforgettable chapter in the annals of the British criminal justice system.

It serves as a stark reminder of the profound and lasting consequences of violent acts and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, even when they choose to evade the proceedings meant to deliver justice.

Donavan Allen’s memory lives on, a testament to the devastating impact of crime on communities and families, and the enduring pursuit of justice in his name.