Two deny murder of man, 19, ‘attacked with Samurai sword’

Two teenagers deny murdering talented footballer, 19, after he was ‘attacked with a Samurai sword’ in street brawl during lockdown

  • Francois Kablan from Bermondsey, London, was allegedly attacked in the street
  • Kablan, 19, who played for Harlow Town reserves, died at the scene in Southwark 
  • 17-year-old appeared in the dock of Old Bailey and pleaded not guilty to murder
  • His 15-year-old co-defendant denied the same charge via video-link from prison

Francois Kablan (pictured), 19, from Bermondsey, south-east London, was allegedly attacked following a confrontation with two males armed with weapons

Two youths have denied murdering a footballer after he was ‘attacked with a Samurai sword’ in a street brawl during lockdown.

Francois Kablan, 19, from Bermondsey, south-east London, was allegedly attacked following a confrontation with two males armed with weapons.

The victim, who played for Harlow Town reserves, was pronounced dead at the scene on a residential estate in Great Dover Street in Southwark on May 13.

The cause of death was found to be a wound to the chest.

A 17-year-old today appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey and pleaded not guilty to murder.

His 15-year-old co-defendant denied the same charge via video-link from HMP Cookham Wood.

The victim, who played for Harlow Town reserves, was pronounced dead at the scene on a residential estate in Great Dover Street in Southwark on May 13 (pictured)

The victim, who played for Harlow Town reserves, was pronounced dead at the scene on a residential estate in Great Dover Street in Southwark on May 13 (pictured)

Judge Mark Lucraft QC set a provisional three-week trial for January 4 2021. He said it was the earliest date that could be accommodated at the Old Bailey.

The judge also fixed a further hearing for September 16. Members of Mr Kablan’s family sat in court for the hearing, which was partially held virtually.

The defendants were remanded into custody.