LONDON — A life sentence has been delivered to 42-year-old Vasile Gorghescu after his conviction in a fatal stabbing incident at the Stratford Centre’s parking area. Official reports state that the victim, 45-year-old Chaudhary Mahmood, was attacked under the guise of a mobile phone sale, which was revealed to be a scam.
The sentencing, which took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, mandates that Gorghescu serve a minimum of 32 years. The court heard that Gorghescu had driven from Southampton using his brother’s car, ostensibly to sell Mahmood mobile phones. Instead, he planned to deceive Mahmood by offering a box filled with fizzy drinks.
When Mahmood uncovered the deception, Gorghescu assaulted him, stabbing the victim 27 times. After the brutal attack, Gorghescu attempted to conceal Mahmood’s body under blankets and boxes in the car park and returned to Southampton. He instructed his brother to report the car stolen and disclosed the presence of the body.
Police located the car shortly after, and Gorghescu was arrested the following day. The rapid arrest was a result of swift detective work, piecing together the sequence of events leading to Mahmood’s murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, leading the investigation for the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, commented on the case, saying, “Vasile Gorghescu came prepared to resort to violence.” She added, “Chaudhary was deceived into thinking he was buying phones and stood no chance against the armed assailant.”
Yorke further addressed the fabricated self-defense claims made by Gorghescu during the trial, observing that the evidence clearly indicated premeditated fraud and aggression. She expressed hope that the sentencing brings some solace to Mahmood’s family, acknowledging the irreplaceable loss they have suffered.
This case highlights the grim outcomes of criminal deceit and the vigilant efforts of law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Gorghescu’s extensive prison term underscores the severe consequences of such heinous acts.