Officer who caught Damilola Taylor killers says ‘brutality still resonates’ 20 years on

Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave

(Handout)

The senior Scotland Yard officer who finally caught Damilola Taylor’s killers, overcoming years of blunders, says the “brutality still resonates” 20 years on.

Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave, then a Detective Chief Inspector in Peckham, recalled the “cold, blustery and very wet evening” when the 10-year-old died.

He said: “Even though so many years have passed and so much has been said and done about knife crime, this particular act of brutality still resonates.

“Maybe it was his age, the manner of his death, its location, the quiet dignity of his parents, or that start of term school photo of Damilola, smiling out at the world wearing his new burgundy sweatshirt.”

Mr Ephgrave took over the case in 2002 when the first trial resulted in the acquittal of four original defendants. The Crown’s star “witness” had been offered a £50,000 reward for her testimony but was exposed as a compulsive liar.

Ricky and Danny Preddie were arrested soon after Damilola died but the Forensic Science Service, a Home Office agency at the time, missed blood stains on their clothing. The pair were re-arrested while in youth detention after Mr Ephgrave ordered a second examination by a private lab.

A drop of Damilola’s blood was found on a trainer in Danny’s room and another on Ricky’s sweatshirt. Mr Ephgrave said charging the Preddies was “perhaps the most satisfying day in my service”.

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