STUDENT Hassan Kul Hawadleh was killed in a revenge plot "executed with sheer ruthlessness", a court heard today.

The 19-year-old from Colindale, died of a stab wound to the heart at High Weald Service Station in High Road, Harrow Weald, on February 19. Four men are standing trial at the Old Bailey accused of his murder.

Prosecutor Brian Altman told the jury of six men and six women that the attack on Mr Hawadleh and two friends was the culmination of an escalation of rivalry between a largely Somali and a largely Afghan group of men, and that as a result of one defendant being beaten by in a fight, a revenge plot was hatched "to save face".

The following defendants have denied all the charges against them:

n Andrew Spence, 21, of Freeland Court, Freeland Road, Ealing, who originally appeared before Brent Magistrates' Court on February 28, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hawadleh, the attempted murder of Mr Hawadleh's friend Abdiwahab Guiled, and violent disorder.
n Onochie Madekwe, 33, of no fixed address, who originally appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 13, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hawadleh, the attempted murder of Mr Guiled, unlawful killing, causing grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.
n Abdul Khan, 18, of no fixed address, who originally appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 4, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hawadleh and the attempted murder of Mr Guiled.
n Michael Boyde, 37, of Ambleside Road, Harlesden, who originally appeared before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 9, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Hawadleh.

More soon.