A shopkeeper who fatally stabbed a man to death after a dispute about a broken car windscreen has been jailed.

Selliah Manimaran, 44, of London Road, Mitcham, was found guilty of manslaughter, and possession of an offensive weapon on December 19.

Detective Inspector Helen Rance, who led the investigation, said: “Manimaran lured the victim - Arunesh Thangarajah - and his friend to his shop (SM Newsagents in London Road) on the premise of a friendly drink. When they arrived, he was waiting for them in a nearby alleyway with a three inch knife.

“He was angry after being told that the victims had allegedly thrown a rock at his blue Vauxhall Corsa and shattered the windscreen the previous afternoon.

“It was a sinister ploy on Manimaran’s part which led to a brutal and fatal act.

“I am very glad that this man has been brought to justice for his actions that led to the death of Mr Thangarajah.”

Manimaran was found not guilty of murder and attempted grievous bodily harm.

He was sentenced at the same court today (December 21) to 16 years in jail for manslaughter and 18 months for possession of an offensive weapon which will run concurrently.

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Police were called at just before 3.30am on May 20 to reports of a stabbing in the area of Upper Green East near Montrose Gardens and London Road.

Colleagues from the London Ambulance Service attended but were unable to save 28-year-old Arunesh who died at the scene.

Manimaran was arrested at the scene and charged the next day.

Arunesh, a Sri Lankan national who was homeless at the time of his death, was stabbed nine times. He had two injuries to the chest, one to the thigh and two in the lower back.

A post-mortem held on May 21 determined the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

In a statement, Arunesh's family said: “Nothing will ever bring back Arunesh. We are very upset by what has happened but pleased that Manimaran has been found to be responsible for the death of Arunesh.

“We wish to thank the police for the assistance they have provided to us as a family and we are very grateful for the way in which they have conducted the investigation and supported us.”