Murderer who killed in row over designer coat in Bedfordshire is jailed
A teenager who stabbed a man to death in a row over a designer coat has been jailed for a minimum of 20 years.
Jacob Zuco, 19, killed Leon Penman in a car park in Bedford in May last year, leaning in through his car window to attack him.
The two clashed when they saw each other in Riverfield Drive, and members of the public quickly detained Zuco until police arrived.
Despite off-duty paramedics performing CPR on Mr Penman, 20, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Zuco was jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years on Wednesday, having been found guilty of murder at Luton Crown Court in April.
Two months before the fatal attack, Mr Penman had been stabbed by Zuco in a separate incident which revolved around the sale of a designer coat.
Zuco was sentenced to six years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the first incident and four months for possession of a bladed article, both to run concurrently with his life sentence.
Judge Michael Simon said: “This case is a good example of why young men who seek to justify carrying a knife for protection are deluding themselves and putting the public at risk.”
In a statement read to the court, Mr Penman's family described him as a "much-loved son, dad, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many".
“Leon shouldn’t have lost his life in the way he did, and his loved ones shouldn’t have to move forward without him," they said.
“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came to Leon’s aid on that fateful day.”
Det Insp Dale Mepstead from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, who led the investigation, said: “Zuco did not set out that day intending to meet the victim or cause him harm, but he made the choice to carry a knife – a decision that ultimately ended a life, destroyed his own future and caused unimaginable pain to many others.
“Carrying a knife doesn’t protect you, it only increases the risk of tragedy and there is no excuse."
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know