Michael Peixoto stabbing: Man killed in group attack, court told

A man was stabbed to death in south London in a "premeditated group attack", a court has heard.

John Budal, of Melrose Avenue, Thornton Heath, is charged with the murder of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto, 27, on 19 December in Croydon.

The 19-year-old is also charged with the linked robbery of a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis.

He appeared by video-link for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey.

Prosecutor Ben Holt said Mr Budal had taken part in a "premeditated group attack" in Mayfield Crescent in Thornton Heath.

Having driven to the location in his car, the victim had then walked towards the end of Mayfield Crescent where a white BMW was parked, the court heard.

Four men then got out of the BMW and approached Mr Peixoto who was chased up the road and stabbed, the court heard.

Two of the attackers then drove off in the car Mr Peixoto had been using.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the heart, with other injuries recorded to the back, arm and wrist.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse set a trial date of 11 November.

Mr Budal's next appearance will be for a plea hearing on 20 March.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]