By James Simons-
A man who fatally stabbed a teenager in Thornton Heath has began a jail sentence for a minimum of 28 years.
Byron Whyne, 20 from Croydon(pictured) will spend the rest of his youth in prison after brutally attacking a young teen because he was jealous he was dating his ex-.girlfriend.
Damarie Roye was attacked as he cycled along Bensham Manor Road on the afternoon of 9 July 2021. He abandoned a bike he was riding for fear of his life and jumped into a van occupied by strangers who drove him to hospital. The poor victim was pursued even after he had been stabbed by Roye, and his killer stole his bike and rode way with it.
Byron Whyne, 20 of Grenaby Road, Croydon was arrested in the days after the attack and was later charged with 16-year-old Damarie’s murder.
He was found guilty of murder on Thursday, 14 April following a trial at Croydon Crown Court. He appeared at the same court on Thursday, 28 April where he was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 28 years.
The court heard that Whyne was a man motivated by jealousy. Damarie was friends with a girl with whom Whyne had been in a relationship.
Whyne could not accept the situation and formed a grudge. He was controlling even after the relationship had ended and made threats, including with a knife.
Ultimately, in July last year, he carried out those threats in a brutal attack.
Sentencing Whyne, His Honour Judge Gower QC commended the work of Detective Constable Marie Harrild who played a key role in gathering, analysing and presenting the CCTV evidence that formed a vital part of the prosecution’s case.
He also praised the efforts of two members of the public who provided help to Damarie as he desperately fled following the attack, including driving him to hospital in an effort to get him the medical attention he needed.
Detective Chief Inspector Jo Sidaway, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:
“Byron Whyne murdered Damarie in broad daylight. He was motivated only by jealousy and the community is safer knowing he will be off the streets for decades to come.
“I too would like to add my thanks to DC Harrild and the whole investigative team. The picture they were able to build of the events on that day left the jury in no doubt about Whyne’s guilt.
“I would also like to acknowledge the selfless actions of the two members of the public who came to Damarie’s aid. They showed compassion and calmness in the most distressing of circumstances.
“Our thoughts throughout this investigation have been with Damarie’s loved ones who have suffered such an unimaginably sad loss.”