The Croydon man convicted of stabbing to death a promising boxer and new father has been sentenced to life in prison at the Old Bailey today.

Charles Acquaah, 22, will have to serve a minimum of 15-years for the murder of John ‘King’ Abbey in a heated argument in Croydon earlier this year.

The attack happened at a bus stop on London Road, West Croydon, on Thursday, January 24, just moments before Mr Abbey was due to board a bus to visit his new born son, Adam, in Mayday hospital.

A Ghanaian former professional fighter, Mr Abbey, 26, died from a stab wound to the heart as he waited with his three-year-old daughter Natalie.

The Old Bailey was told previously that the two men had rowed in the past and on August 7, 2008, Acquaah reported Mr King to Croydon Police for assaulting him and stealing his passport.

Prosecutor Brian Altman QC said: “The defendant (Mr Acquaah) simply chanced upon King and his daughter, an argument developed between the two men. King did nothing to justify the defendant’s actions who was clearly armed with a knife.”

Mr Altman added: “The reason for the feud, they had both been sleeping with the same woman.

“King had said he thought the defendant and Natra had a relationship but at the same time he would say he didn't care. He thought the two were having an affair.”

Former girlfriend, Natra Abokar, said: “King was a good man and friendly to everyone he met. I loved him and always will.

“King only ever got to see his baby son Adam King once before he died.

“He always wanted a son but now he won't get to see him grow up.

“It will be difficult for me and Adam to celebrate his birthday because this is also the day that King was murdered.

“My daughter Layla had to watch her Daddy, who was her best friend, killed in front of her. She is still having nightmares and asks for her Daddy everyday.

“I am struggling to come to terms with my life without King and cope with two children on my own, but I know that I have to carry on for my kids' sake.

“I know that nothing can bring King back, but I'm glad that I have seen the man responsible for his death, in the court.

“I would like to say thank you to the police and thank you to my Family Liaison Officer for supporting me since January and for doing such a good job.

“I would like to thank the Victim Support Service and all the members of the public who have been so kind and thoughtful.”