The three killers of a man tortured and fatally stabbed in Mitcham last year have each been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Police found 21-year-old Lloyd Lilley in the street with slash wounds to his face, his ear cut off, and a severe stab wound to his thigh on February 25, in Pains Close.

Tony Coyle, 25, and Ricky Beesley, 23, both of no fixed abode, and John Cotter, 25 from Tooting, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Old Bailey on March 12.

On Tuesday the three were told they will each spend a minimum of eight years behind bars.

Detective Inspector Chris Le Pere from the homicide and serious crime command, said: "Today's sentencing reflects the extent of just how dangerous these three individuals are.

"Cotter, Coyle and Beesley tortured Lloyd before he died by cutting off his ear and slashing his face.

"We are pleased that these dangerous men have been removed from London's streets for a considerable amount of time and I hope that the conclusion of this case will offer some closure for Lloyd's family."

Mr Lilley, from Carshalton, was taken to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where he died after four days of treatment.

A post mortem examination gave the cause of death as stab wound to the thigh.

Cotter was arrested at an address in Pains Close on the day of the attack while Coyle and Beesley were arrested a month later.

Mr Lilley remained in intensive care as Cotter made his first appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on February 29 but died only hours later.

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