Man found guilty of Deptford murder 20 years after attack

Jordan Burton has been found guilty of murder following an assault in Deptford in 2006. Daniel Allright, the victim, died in March 2022 from post-traumatic epilepsy, a condition that developed 15 years after the initial attack. Burton, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, was convicted at the Old Bailey on September 29. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday.

The court heard that Mr Allright, then aged 16, was attacked by a group of youths in Friendly Street Park in September 2006. Mr Allright had been with two friends on their bikes when a group of males attempted to rob them. A male, identified as Burton, asked Mr Allright if he wanted to fight before striking him multiple times with a piece of wood. Two other males then joined the assault, hitting Mr Allright with weapons while he attempted to defend himself. The group dispersed when a passerby intervened.

Following the attack, Mr Allright suffered a serious head injury. He experienced his first seizure in March 2007 and was prescribed medication. His epilepsy worsened in the months leading up to his death. Mr Allright died at his home on March 26, 2022, at the age of 31, after suffering a fatal epileptic seizure.

A post-mortem examination determined that post-traumatic epilepsy was the cause of Mr Allright's death. The examination found no evidence of drowning or natural disease. Daniel Allright's sister described him as a kind and non-aggressive person who did not deserve the attack.

Burton, now aged 33 and residing in Achilles Street, Lewisham, had initially denied involvement in the 2006 assault. However, he later pleaded guilty to violent disorder and unlawful wounding in 2008. During his murder trial, Burton maintained his innocence, stating he had been pressured into admitting the assault in 2008. Judge Anthony Leonard KC will preside over the sentencing.