North London Man Receives Life Sentence for Murder Using Vehicle as Weapon
A North London man has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years after being convicted of using his car as a deadly weapon in two separate violent incidents. Trevelle Rowland, 34, from Islington, was found guilty of murder, dangerous driving, and two counts of grievous bodily harm following a series of attacks that left one man dead and two others injured.
Fatal Restaurant Confrontation in East Ham
The murder occurred after Rowland became involved in an argument with 35-year-old Fergany Mvuezolo at a restaurant in East Ham. Following the disagreement, Rowland left the establishment only to return minutes later in his vehicle. CCTV footage and witness accounts captured the moment Rowland deliberately drove his VW Tiguan into Mr Mvuezolo in a calculated attack.
Police were called to the scene at 5:20am on Sunday, March 2024, where they discovered Mr Mvuezolo with severe injuries. Despite administering immediate first aid, emergency services were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Through rapid witness interviews at the location, officers quickly identified Rowland as the driver responsible for the fatal collision.
Swift Police Intervention Prevents Escape
As investigators began their work, they discovered Rowland attempting to board an international flight at Heathrow Airport with his partner. During a search of his belongings, officers found a receipt from the Barking Road restaurant that directly linked him to the murder scene. This crucial evidence helped establish his presence at the location and connection to the crime.
Previous Attack on Security Personnel
Ten months before the fatal incident, the same VW Tiguan had been involved in another violent confrontation outside a pub in Barking. During this earlier attack, Rowland drove his vehicle into two security guards, throwing one onto the bonnet of the car. The injured bouncer sustained significant damage to his right knee and ankle, while the other security personnel suffered minor hand injuries.
When police impounded the vehicle following this initial incident, Rowland attended Dagenham Police Station to inquire about its recovery. During this visit and subsequent interviews, he repeatedly denied any knowledge of the Barking pub attack. However, both security guards positively identified him as the driver who had deliberately struck them with his car.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, described Rowland as "an extremely dangerous man" who used his vehicle as a weapon against multiple victims. The detective emphasized that both attacks were captured on CCTV and followed similar patterns of behavior.
"Rowland is also a devious liar who misled police about the initial attack," stated DI Necati. "He ran his car into a pair of security guards over a trivial dispute, only to go on to kill another man using the exact same method."
The investigation relied heavily on traditional police work, with officers at the murder scene quickly establishing the killer's identity through witness interviews. This prompt action enabled authorities to apprehend Rowland before he could flee the country and potentially evade justice.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Following his arrest, Rowland was charged with multiple offenses including murder, dangerous driving, and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm. The court heard detailed evidence about both incidents before delivering the life sentence with a minimum 22-year term.
Police expressed their sympathies to the family of Fergany Mvuezolo and to Rowland's two surviving victims, acknowledging the trail of destruction left by the defendant's actions. The case highlights the serious consequences of using vehicles as weapons and the importance of thorough police investigation in bringing violent offenders to justice.
