Student jailed for 10 years over fatal stabbing

Harper Dennis, 19, has been sentenced to a decade in custody after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter. The conviction follows the fatal stabbing of Khaleed Oladipo, 20, which occurred on February 3 near De Montfort University in Leicester. Dennis was also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon and failing to provide the PIN to his phone.

Dispute over fake watch and debt

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Prosecutor Jane Osborne KC told Leicester Crown Court that the fatal incident stemmed from a "perceived debt" between Dennis and Mr Oladipo, who had met through online gaming. Dennis stated he had given Mr Oladipo £6,000 of his savings for a scamming venture. When he did not receive his money back, Mr Oladipo allegedly gave him a Rolex watch as compensation, which Dennis later discovered was fake. This discovery reportedly fuelled his bitterness.

Judge Timothy Spencer KC described Dennis as having developed a "seething resentment" towards Mr Oladipo. The judge noted that Dennis brought a knife to the confrontation and used it multiple times, stating it should have been evident that this carried a high risk of serious harm. Dashcam footage captured the stabbing on Oxford Street, near the university's Innovation Centre.

Dennis told the court he feared for his life and acted in self-defence when Mr Oladipo approached him with a knife. He claimed he was unaware he had stabbed Mr Oladipo during the altercation and was shocked upon his arrest. He later attempted to sell the fake Rolex in Hatton Garden, where jewellers confirmed its lack of authenticity.

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Victim's family impact

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Oladipo's sister, Precious Oladipo, described the profound grief experienced by their mother. She stated their mother is "so unwell with grief" and that the family home, once filled with laughter, is now "largely silent." Mr Oladipo was on the phone to his girlfriend during the attack, who reportedly heard him say, "Why did you come up to me and stab me?"

Judge's remarks and next steps

Judge Spencer KC criticised Dennis for not assisting the investigation, particularly his refusal to provide his phone's PIN, which could have offered crucial digital information. The judge commented that Dennis's claims of remorse had a "hollow ring" due to his lack of cooperation. He acknowledged, however, that Dennis had matured to the realisation of the unnecessary loss of life.

Dennis, who has no previous convictions, was described by his defence counsel, Tim Forte KC, as a young man with "positive" character and prospects for rehabilitation. The judge acknowledged Dennis's age might indicate a lack of maturity. The court heard that Dennis had a gambling addiction and had threatened to expose Mr Oladipo online as untrustworthy.