Lewis Benjamin and Jamal Ali-Richards are in prison after being convicted of the manslaughter of 34-year-old Justin Henry, whose body was discovered concealed in black plastic bags in Croydon. Benjamin was sentenced to 20 years in prison and Ali-Richards to 8 years and 6 months at Woolwich Crown Court on 10 April 2026, after both men were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
Who Are Lewis Benjamin and Jamal Ali-Richards?
Lewis Benjamin, 30, lived at Waddon New Road in Croydon at the time of the offending. Jamal Ali-Richards, 29, lived at Thornlaw Road in Norwood, south London. Neither man was a public figure prior to their conviction. Both were convicted not only of the manslaughter of Justin Henry but also of perverting the course of justice, reflecting the steps they took to conceal their involvement in his death.
Who Was Justin Henry?
Justin Henry was 34 years old and lived in Croydon. On Monday 16 October 2023, he failed to return home after visiting his girlfriend. His absence triggered concern among those close to him and he was subsequently reported missing. CCTV footage later recovered by detectives showed Justin alive at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on Sunday 15 October 2023, the day before he was reported missing. He was not seen alive again. His death was a tragedy for his family and community, and his case highlighted the particular cruelty of offences involving the concealment of evidence.
What Happened to Justin Henry?
Forensic investigators examining a scene connected to the investigation discovered small blood spatters on walls. Less than 100 metres away, officers discovered black plastic bags containing a heavily bloodstained section of carpet, evidence pointing to what had happened to Justin Henry. The circumstances of his death and the disposal of evidence gave rise to both the manslaughter charges and the serious charge of perverting the course of justice, which relates to actions taken to obstruct or undermine the justice process.
The exact circumstances that led to Justin’s death were examined in detail during the trial at Woolwich Crown Court. The jury returned verdicts of manslaughter rather than murder, reflecting their conclusions about the nature of intent at the time of the killing.
The Police Investigation
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Metropolitan Police. The recovery of forensic evidence including blood traces and the bloodstained carpet section was central to building the prosecution case. CCTV evidence tracking Justin Henry’s movements in the hours before his death also formed part of the evidence. The perverting the course of justice charge indicates that both defendants took active steps to conceal evidence or obstruct the investigation after the killing occurred.
Manslaughter investigations where a victim goes missing and remains are subsequently recovered require extensive forensic and intelligence work. In this case the investigation spanned an extended period before charges were brought and the case came to trial.
The Trial and Sentencing
Lewis Benjamin and Jamal Ali-Richards appeared at Woolwich Crown Court and were convicted of the manslaughter of Justin Henry and of perverting the course of justice. On Thursday 10 April 2026, the sentencing judge imposed the following sentences: Lewis Benjamin received a total of 20 years in prison comprising 14 years for the manslaughter of Justin Henry and 6 years consecutive for perverting the course of justice. Jamal Ali-Richards received a total of 8 years and 6 months comprising 5 years and 6 months for manslaughter and 3 years consecutive for perverting the course of justice.
The differences in sentence length reflect the differing degrees of culpability found by the court in relation to each defendant’s role in both the killing and the subsequent concealment of evidence. Benjamin received a substantially longer sentence, indicating the court found him to bear the greater responsibility for the offending as a whole.
For anyone wishing to book a prison visit to see someone at a London or south-east England prison, our guide explains the process clearly. Those needing to send money to a prisoner can find step-by-step guidance on our site. The Parole Board will eventually consider both men for release after they have served the required minimum proportion of their sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lewis Benjamin do?
Lewis Benjamin, 30, of Croydon, was convicted of the manslaughter of 34-year-old Justin Henry and of perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court on 10 April 2026, comprising 14 years for manslaughter and 6 years for perverting the course of justice.
What did Jamal Ali-Richards do?
Jamal Ali-Richards, 29, of Norwood, south London, was convicted of the manslaughter of Justin Henry and perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to a total of 8 years and 6 months in prison, comprising 5 years and 6 months for manslaughter and 3 years for perverting the course of justice.
Who was Justin Henry?
Justin Henry was a 34-year-old man from Croydon who went missing in October 2023. He was last seen alive on CCTV at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Croydon on 15 October 2023. Forensic evidence linking him to the scene was later uncovered, leading to the prosecution and conviction of Lewis Benjamin and Jamal Ali-Richards for his manslaughter.
What is perverting the course of justice?
Perverting the course of justice is a serious criminal offence in England and Wales that covers acts intended to obstruct, prevent, or defeat the administration of justice. This includes destroying or concealing evidence, intimidating witnesses, or taking other steps to prevent a fair investigation or trial from taking place. It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and is often charged alongside other serious offences.
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
In English law, murder requires proof that the defendant intended to kill or cause serious harm to the victim. Manslaughter occurs where a person causes the death of another without the necessary intent for murder, or where a partial defence such as loss of control or diminished responsibility applies. Sentences for manslaughter vary widely depending on the circumstances and can range from a suspended sentence to life imprisonment in the most serious cases.
