Allan Isichei Murder Trial Approaches Conclusion

Southall man stabbed to death 30 yards from his home

Allan Isichei

The trial of the man accused of murdering 69-year-old Allan Isichei is continuing at the Inner London Crown Court.

36-year-old Gurjeet Lall, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, is believed to have stabbed Mr Isichei several times on 24 August last year.

The court has heard evidence that Lall spat on the ground as Mr Isichei passed by which led to a confrontation.

Mr Isichei was returning from the pub early in the evening after having had a single drink in the garden of the Plough Inn. He was just 30 yards from his home on St Mary's Avenue South when he was stabbed. He got as far as a neighbour’s house before ringing the doorbell to ask for help.

The popular grandfather who worked in construction had been a rugby player for Wasps in the amateur era and remained a stalwart of the club serving as vice-President and coach.

A statement issued by the family says, “This brutal and unprovoked attack was carried out by someone who had consistently chosen to carry a knife.

“The emotional challenge of Allan being killed outside the family home of over 30 years has left the family with an increased sense of loss.

“The family are struggling to recover. If carrying a knife is what you do, this is the result. If people think it is worth carrying a knife, think again – families are ruined, and communities scarred.

“Allan Isichei was a gentle and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandad and friend. He was a man with a huge heart who was always willing to help those around him and the whole community. The devastating impact his horrific killing has had on his family, friends and the whole community around him has been impossible to describe.

“He was married to his wife and soulmate Sandra for over 49 years, with whom he had three children. Sandra was witness to his death. The impact on Allan’s mother who is in her 90s cannot be described – she has been hospitalized as a direct result and the unimaginable pain she is in and continues to go through is impossible to process.

“Allan was the man the family all looked up to for support and guidance. He was the central hub, and our family and friends have had Allan ripped from their lives leaving a painful void that cannot be filled.”

Mr Isichei attended Kilburn Grammar School and played rugby for what was Wasps FC in the 70s and 80s. In the 90s and throughout the 2000’s he coached men and women at London Wasps, Richmond and London Nigeria to name a few.

The construction company which he ran with his brother for 40 years was forced to closed after his death.

Mr Isichei was also a talented musician and earlier in the year he had starred at the Hanwell Hootie playing the saxophone and was a regular performer at the Plough Inn.

Allan Isichei at the Hanwell Hootie

His family said, “Allan’s life mattered, he did many great and inspirational things, showing respect, responsibility and kindness towards society and the world around him throughout his life, and has cruelly been snatched away from us all.”

Gurjeet Lall has denied the charge of murder.

The trial continues.

October 14, 2020