Two convicted of murdering one man and seriously injuring another in Croydon

Two men have been convicted of murdering one man and seriously injuring another following a meticulous investigation by homicide detectives.

Shane Canavan, 23 (15.04.01) and his half-brother Joshua Langley, 28 (27.10.95), both from Purley, carried out the attack in a row over a fight that had taken place days before.

The pair were found guilty on Monday, 8 July at Woolwich Crown Court of the murder of 20-year-old Bradley Hutchins and wounding with intent another 19-year-old man.

Canavan was also found guilty of possession of a pointed or bladed article while Langley previously pleaded guilty to the same offence.

Detective Inspector Matt Read, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts first and foremost today are with Bradley's family following the utter devastation they have suffered. Not only did they lose Bradley in awful and unnecessary circumstances, but they had the additional suffering of another relative being seriously injured too. He continues to be treated for his injuries to this day.

"We were quickly able to identify Canavan and Langley as being responsible for this terrible attack. We established that Canavan had been involved in a fist fight with Bradley and the other man a few days prior in which he had been the aggressor but had come off worse. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt then.

"Canavan however could not let it go and went out looking for the two victims, this time with a knife. When he found himself outnumbered by the pair and some friends he called for back-up in his half-brother Langley, and he himself also arrived with a knife and wearing a balaclava.

"A fight then ensued in which Bradley and the other victim fought back with makeshift weapons. However, they were both stabbed multiple times."

Bradley’s family said: “We are obviously very happy with today’s verdict and are glad that these two men will now be off the streets where they can’t hurt anyone else. We are grateful to everyone who has helped to bring about this conviction today.

“In reality though it is no victory to us as we have lost our son and brother. Bradley was the best son a Mum could ask for - he was always happy, forever smiling and was known by so many people for his kindness, always willing to help others. He will be forever remembered as our hero.

“Bradley was yet another young person killed in a senseless attack with a knife - more has to be done to address knife crime, to save lives and to prevent another family from being shattered by the devastating loss of someone they love. No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child.”

Police were called at about 18:00hrs on Tuesday, 12 September to reports of people fighting on North Walk in New Addington.

Officers learned that both victims had made their way to New Addington London Ambulance base a short distance away having been stabbed.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, and the assistance of members of the London Fire Brigade, Bradley’s life could not be saved and he died a short time later from a stab wound to the chest.

Homicide detectives were informed and began investigating immediately.

The scene of the offence in North Walk was identified and a crowbar, monkey wrench, knife and balaclava were found having been left behind by those involved in the fight.

Canavan was arrested on 16 September and Langley the following day.

Both were charged on 18 September and remanded in custody.

Detectives gathered a combination of witness, CCTV and forensic evidence that would ultimately lead to their conviction.

They will be sentenced on Tuesday, 6 August.