The grandfather of murdered Delaney Brown says he feels “no great pleasure” in seeing the teenager’s former friend sentenced to life in prison for the killing today (May 15).
Kyle Beckford, 22, of Waleys Close, was given a minimum of 24 years in prison for murdering the 19-year-old in September last year.
Luton Crown Court heard how Beckford had deliberately mounted the pavement in a stolen BMW, knocking Delaney from his bike in Vincent Road and causing fatal injuries.
Delaney Brown senior said at a press conference today: “It is very sad to know that Delaney’s life was extinguished for no jusitfiable cause, and his full potential not realised, by the hand of someone he once called a friend. Although the right justice has been served, it gives us no great pleasure to see a young man in incarceration for a long time, and we hope that one day he can show remorse for his actions.”
Beckford was part of a ‘rival crime group’ to former school friend Delaney, and police believe the motivation for murder was “personal contempt”.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer said it would be “foolish” not to anticipate more violence in the upcoming days, as police believe the murder of Delaney’s uncle Paul Foster in April and the shooting of a 16-year-old on Saturday are linked to the Delaney Brown case.
Mr Brown senior said: “We need to come together to show our young people that we will not stand for lawlessness on the streets of Luton.”
Armed police and dog units are patrolling Marsh Farm and Lewsey Farm which Mr Richer said will continue for as long as police feel is necessary.
They are gathering intelligence and mapping crime in the area as part of investigations into the recent gun crime wave.
Det Supt Jeff Hill said although there were “brave and courageous” key witnesses who made formal statements in the Delaney Brown case, there were some people who chose not to help, due to “misguided loyalty.”
He said police are now in a similar situation with the investigation into the murder of 46-year-old Paul Foster,
There are people who can provide vital information who have still not come forward, and Det Supt Hill asked: “What is it you are scard of?”
He said: “If you have concerns for you and your family, then talk to us. We have measures we can put in place to address these fears and anxieties.
“Carrying a gun does not make you a man. Bigger men stand up and are counted.,, Stand up for what is right. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. When you find that courage, my office is waiting.
“If you don’t, when you look at yourself in the mirror, know it is your lack of action that is preventing your community from being a safer place.”
+Two people are currently on bail for the murder of Paul Foster.
+There have been 16 gun-related incidents in Luton so far this year, including nine shootings.
+ Police have made 11 arrests for gun crime and confiscated two fire arms.