Murder sends shock through local community.

Just after 20:00 hrs on Sunday 7th May, one of Seven Dials most horrific of incidents took place when a 52 year old man stabbed his 12 year old 'friend' and his 15 year old half-brother. Diego Pineiro, a street-wise local boy of 12 had been befriended by the 52-year old in the streets around Cambridge Circus and Shaftesbury Avenue.

On several occasions, local residents had witnessed the man hanging around to confront and meet Diego. Local residents claimed to have seen him in both the church yard of St Giles-in-the-Fields Church and the Phoenix Community Garden with young boys, behind trees and bushes. He had been ordered out of the Phoenix Garden on more than one occasions. Local residents, all of whom knew Diego, were concerned for his well-being, particularly after Diego confessed to being frightened.

It is alleged that Diego's attacker chased him and his half-brother from Cambridge Circus down Earlham Street, after having been released on bail by a Magistrate. Local residents living opposite the place of the murder saw the man stabbing the boys in Earlham Street, opposite Oddbins. Two brave and quick-thinking staff in the Sartaj Balti House restaurant in Earlham Street ran out and managed to force the attacker to the ground until the police arrived. Both waiters clearly risked their lives, as the attacker had a huge kitchen knife.

Despite immediate police attention and emergency treatment by a paramedic and several ambulances, Diego died from a large number of serious stab wounds. His half-brother Roberto is recovering in hospital.

The extremely sad and distressful circumstances that led to the death of 12 year old Diego have raised several questions in Covent Garden. Could his death have been prevented? Why is the criminal justice system not tightened up sufficiently to ensure that known paedophiles are detained in custody whilst their case is progressing trough the courts? Did the Police act when they should have done?

See also:
Police Service Response to Earlham Street Murder.
Long awaited and much deserved awards for local waiters

© Covent Garden Community Association, 9th May 2000

 

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