Two men and a woman have been found guilty of their role in the death of a professional gambler who was lured into a ‘honey trap’.
Nicholas Chandler, 29 and Kyrron Jackson, 28, were found guilty of the murder of Turkish Cypriot 56-year-old Mehmet Hassan following the conclusion of a trial at the Old Bailey today, Wednesday, 15 April.
Leonie-Marie Granger, 25, was found guilty of manslaughter.
The court heard how Granger, Chandler and Jackson, who were known to each other, had conspired to lure Mr Hassan into a trap and rob him of money using Granger as bait. Granger had targeted Mr Hassan – a well-known customer at high-end casinos in central London – around a month before his murder, in March 2014.
Mr Hassan confided in a friend that he had met Granger and was intending to see her again; in Mr Hassan’s view this appeared to be a genuine relationship but he was unaware of Granger’s true intentions.
Throughout March the pair were in contact, meeting on the weekend of the 15/16 March and attending a casino in W1. The pair left in the early hours of the 16 March with Mr Hassan having cashed in £1,900 of casino chips – they both went to Mr Hassan’s flat in Baxter Road, Islington.
The following weekend Hassan met Granger again, this time attending the Palm Beach Casino, W1. After spending time at the restaurant and in the casino, Hassan cashed out a significant quantity of chips – believed in the region of £2,000-£3,000 – and left to return home with Granger, arriving at around 0015hrs on Sunday, 24 March.
However, unbeknown to Mr Hassan, Granger had been in contact with Chandler and Jackson who were awaiting her signal to attend the area in Islington where Mr Hassan lived. After contact from Granger they arrived at approximately 0050hrs.
Granger left the address in a taxi around 25 minutes later and throughout her journey back to Lewisham, the driver noted she was on the phone continuously. At times Granger appeared to be quite animated saying things such as: ‘don’t tell me the money’s not there – I saw it!’.
Shortly after 0200hrs, an Audi TT car associated with Jackson, was seen on CCTV leaving the area around Mr Hassan’s home.
Police were called late on Monday, 24 March following concerns for Mr Hassan’s welfare as he had not been seen, or made contact with his family. Officers forced entry to the address and found him in the bedroom, his legs bound, and having suffered significant visible assault injuries.
A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed he died of neck and chest injuries.
All three defendants were identified and arrested on 28 March. When officers searched Jackson’s address they discovered £2,500 in £50 notes – Jackson claimed this was from a necklace he had pawned recently. However, when his story was checked, the pawnbrokers had no knowledge of such a transaction. Granger and Chandler refused to comment throughout police interviews.
All three were charged with Mr Hassan’s murder on 30 March.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command said:
“Mehmet Hassan was lured into a ‘honey trap’ by Leonie Granger, having been targeted for his affable nature and success at the casino tables.
“Granger realised Mr Hassan kept significant quantities of cash in his flat and cooked up a plan to rob him with her associates Nicholas Chandler and Kyrron Jackson.
“The violence inflicted on Mehmet Hassan was horrific and it appears from the comments made by Granger, and overheard by the taxi driver on the night of the murder, that the gang were intent on finding that cash, whatever the cost.
“People who knew Mehmet Hassan – his family, friends and associates – described him as a likeable and generous man. His death was senseless, motivated by the greed of three people who exploited his generosity in the most callous manner imaginable.”
Hassan Gunay, the nephew of Mehmet Hassan, said:
“We have endured immense pain and despair from the moment that we discovered Mehmet had been brutally murdered. This will continue to haunt us for the rest of our lives.
“Mehmet was a kind gentle man who was loved by all of his family and friends. His warmth and love for life blessed us all.
“Mehmet was very generous and he would help his family and friends without question. He will be dearly missed by us all and he will never be forgotten.
“Although nothing will ever replace Mehmet this just verdict provides an element of closure and relief that the callous perpetrators have been brought to justice and removed from our streets.
“We are eternally grateful to the police and the prosecution team whom have worked tirelessly to gain justice for my uncle and our family. We would never have been able to cope with this tragic loss without their support.”
Granger, Chandler and Jackson will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed.
= Nicholas Chandler and Kyrron Jackson were also found guilty of two separate robbery offences at the same trial. The first offence happened at the Grosvenor Casino, Harrington Gardens, SW7 on 12 January 2014. The second offence, at the same venue, occurred on 9 February 2014. They will be sentenced to these alongside the murder.
At earlier hearings at Kingston Crown Court, three other males pleaded guilty to their parts in the robberies on 12 January 2014 and 9 February 2014. They will also be sentenced on a date to be confirmed.
Full details of all the charges:
Leonie-Marie Granger – 25 (20.07.89) of Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent found guilty of the manslaughter of Mehmet Hassan.
Nicholas Chandler – 29 (12.03.86) of Manor Park Parade, SE13 found guilty of the murder of Mehmet Hassan and two counts of robbery at the Grosvenor Casino, SW7.
Kyrron Jackson – 28 (03.12.86) of Romborough Way, SE13 found guilty of the murder of Mehmet Hassan and two counts of robbery at the Grosvenor Casino, SW7.
– Steven Gibson – 30 (27.11.84) of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to nine counts relating to two offences, both at Grosvenor Casino, SW7 – one on 12 January 2014 and one on 9 February 2014. Gibson pleaded guilty on 11 July 2014 at Kingston Crown Court.
– Damien Edwards – 22 (04.10.92) of Cordwell Road, SE13 pleaded guilty to all nine counts relating to two offences, both at Grosvenor Casino, SW7 – one on 12 January 2014 and one on 9 February 2014. Gibson pleaded guilty on 8 August 2014 at Kingston Crown Court.
– A 17-year-old male of SE6 pleaded guilty to four counts relating to the attempted robbery at Grosvenor Casino, SW7 on 9 February 2014. He pleaded guilty on 4 September 2014 at Kingston Crown Court.
