A 'cowardly' teenage gang member who helped lure a young father into a fatal trap in Croydon has been jailed after spending two years on the run. Ali Abdul Basit, now 19, was involved in the ambush, robbery, and stabbing of Michael Peixoto, a 27-year-old drug dealer, in Thornton Heath on December 19, 2023.
The Attack
Mr Peixoto was lured to Mayfield Crescent under the impression he would sell drugs to the gang. He arrived with a female friend in a Vauxhall Grandland, but a masked group of five robbers, traveling in a stolen BMW, confronted him. Mr Peixoto was chased, cornered, and fatally stabbed in the heart, while his friend was forced out of the car at knifepoint.
Basit's Role and Flight
Basit, then 17, helped the getaway driver by arranging false number plates for the stolen BMW. After the murder, he fled the UK, traveling to Dubai, Egypt, and Pakistan before returning on May 3, 2025, where he was arrested. Forensic evidence linked his DNA to a cigarette butt at the scene.
During his trial, Basit refused to identify a fifth gang member still at large, telling jurors he was not a 'snitch'. Judge Rosa Dean condemned his 'ridiculous' attempts to be 'clever' and noted his 'cowardly decision to flee' forced the victim's family to endure a second trial.
Sentencing
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Basit was sentenced to eight years and six months for manslaughter and robbery. Three other gang members were convicted in 2024: Zak Baako, 30, received life for murder; John Budal, 22, was found guilty of manslaughter and robbery; and Omari Peat, 25, was convicted of robbery.
Victim Impact
In victim impact statements, Mr Peixoto's niece Jessica described him as 'bubbly and funny' and a father to 'the most amazing boy'. His sister Maria said, 'We lost a person who was kind and full of life. I hope you find forgiveness but Michael’s family will never forgive you.'
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe of Scotland Yard said: 'After Michael’s violent murder, Basit immediately left the country… What Basit didn’t know is that our officers had compiled an extensive amount of evidence… This case emphasises the Met’s persistent pursual for justice.'
