Cambridge man strangled former flatmate over passport row

A Cambridge man who strangled his former flatmate to death following an argument about a missing passport has been found guilty of murder.

Jonathon Austin, 23, went to see Neil Lakhani, 38, on 17 September at his flat in Greengates Court, Histon Road, Cambridge, that they had previously shared.

Austin, who had recently moved to another flat in the block, went to withdraw some cash at about 10am and visited the nearby Co-op, before going back to Mr Lakhani’s flat.

On his return they argued, with Mr Lakhani accusing Austin of stealing his passport. A fight ensued, which ended with Austin strangling Mr Lakhani.

Austin initially phoned his father to tell him what he had done before calling the ambulance service at about 11.30am, saying Mr Lakhani was not breathing.

Emergency services arrived, but Mr Lakhani was pronounced dead by paramedics at 12.15pm. Austin told officers at the scene he had strangled Mr Lakhani.

A post-mortem conducted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital concluded he died as a result of compression of the neck.

Austin, also of Greengates Court, Histon Road, Cambridge denied murder but was found guilty today (Thursday, 24 April) following a trial at Huntingdon Law Courts. He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 6 June.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: “This began as a trivial argument about a passport but soon escalated into violence.

“There was ample opportunity for Austin to leave the flat, but instead he chose to assault Mr Lakhani and subject him to prolonged physical assault, and tragically fatal, strangulation.

“His actions that day led to a man losing his life and have caused devastation for Mr Lakhani’s friends and family.

“No verdict can ever bring Mr Lakhani back, but I hope it provides some comfort to them.”