Fast-food gang beat man to death - illegal Vietnamese workers jailed for brutal murder
FOUR Vietnamese men who worked at Soho fast-food outlets have begun life sentences for their parts in the brutal murder of a fellow countryman.
All of the attackers, who were living illegally in the UK, had catering jobs in the Wardour Street and Dean Street areas.
One of them, Hoc Khoa, was arrested and bailed by police just hours before he was involved in the killing of drugs dealer Khach Nguyen, 36, from Hackney, in July 2008, the Old Bailey heard.
Judge Richard Hone, QC, said the 36-year-old victim was beaten to death at a remote farm in Surrey where he was lured by the prospect of a lucrative “deal”.
Nguyen, a father of three, was “eliminated” after being accused of a double-cross over cash proceeds from drugs sales. He and a friend, who survived a beating and gave evidence against the killers, were suspected of stealing £30,000.
On the day of the murder, police arrested Khoa, 32, of Banstead, Surrey, and quizzed him about motoring offences and other matters.
He admitted being illegally in the UK but was bailed to return in six months.
Khoa and his gang were responsible for the “ferocious and brutal” beating which ended the life of Nguyen, said Judge Richard Hone QC.
He described Khoa as “the leader” and sentenced him to life with a recommendation he serve a minimum of 17 years.
Dunt Dinh, 27, Giang Lam Vu, 21 and Duc Vu, 23, from Surrey, were also given life terms. All four will be deported.
Judge Hone praised Det Inspector Richard Turner and his team for their investigation.
DAVID ST GEORGE