Man jailed for Billy Ward murder appeals conviction (From Your Local Guardian)

Man jailed for Billy Ward murder appeals conviction

9:50am Monday 16th November 2009

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A 20-year-old jailed for stabbing Billy Ward to death on a crowded night bus could have his conviction quashed, after appealing to judges at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Starfield Badza, 20, was jailed for life after being convicted of murdering the New Addington man in front of his girlfriend and terrified passengers on the N159 in Gravel Hill, Croydon.

But the youth has continually pleaded his innocence, and now faces an eight-week wait to find out whether his appeal has been successful.

Badza and his friend Junior Lubango - who was also given a life sentence for the killing in October 2008 - both blamed each other for the stabbing, with Lubango claiming he had been a peacemaker during the attack.

Witnesses said Mr Ward was put in a headlock during an argument before being stabbed in the chest, collapsing to the floor with blood pouring from his wounds as his attackers fled.

The court heard when Mr Ward’s friends gave chase Badza laughed and shouted “we will do you as well”.

Both face at least 18 years in prison before they become eligible for parole.

Judges are due to give their verdict on the appeal on January 8.

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