The family of an Italian teenager who was murdered by his flatmate today said they were “destroyed” by his death, as his killer faced years behind bars.
Sabri Chibani, 19, staggered outside and collapsed in a driveway after being attacked by Ronny Padilla at their home in Streatham.
Medics tried to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene in Hopton Road on February 11, just weeks after he had arrived in London.
Padilla, 23, was today facing jail after being found guilty at the Old Bailey on Tuesday of the teenager’s murder.
Speaking after the verdict, Mr Chibani’s family said he was an “excellent student” and planned to go to university in the UK to study IT.
“Sabri was full of life and ambition. He was a very keen footballer, enjoyed playing basketball, travelling and loved singing,” they said.
“To say he was a popular and adored young man amongst his family and his friends is an understatement. Everyone liked Sabri, he was an angel. No other word can describe him.
“Sabri’s tragic and untimely death has created an enormous void in all of our lives. Even now, we cannot believe he is no longer with us. We are all destroyed and feel hopeless, knowing that Sabri was denied the opportunity to enjoy life to the full.”
"He was full of life...everyone liked Sabri, he was an angel. There is no other word to describe him"
They said it was “extremely frustrating” not being able to understand why Padilla launched the attack.
During the trial the court heard how Mr Chibani’s brother Sadok, who also lived in the flat, was woken by the victim crying in pain and saw Padilla on top of him with a knife in his hand.
Padilla dashed out and was followed by the brothers, but Mr Chibani collapsed in the drive soon afterwards. Padilla told police that he did not deliberately cause the injuries and claimed Mr Chibani “accidentally collided with him in the corridor”.
Padilla denied murder but was convicted and was due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey today.
