Islington: Murderer jailed for ‘stabbing in the back’ Essex Road flower seller Tony Eastlake in ‘revenge’

A man has been jailed for the murder of Essex Road flower seller Tony Eastlake.

James Peppiatt, 23, of Elmore Street, Islington, was previously convicted of murder following a trial at the Old Bailey.

Today he was sentenced to life in prison with a recommendation to serve 20 years.

Mr Eastlake was found by police with a stab wound at around 5.30pm on Saturday May 29, 2021 after reports of an injured man on Essex Road. He died at the scene, aged 55.

During the investigation, police discovered that a former partner of Mr Eastlake had taken her own life in April 2021. The woman’s son, James Peppiatt, blamed Mr Eastlake for his mother’s death and on the day of the murder he took his revenge.

Peppiatt had met with his victim Tony on the day of the murder and a fight took place on Ecclesbourne Road. When Mr Eastlake walked away towards Essex Road, Peppiatt followed him and when they reached Halliford Street a row ended with him stabbing Mr Eastlake in the back.

Tony was able to walk a short distance to Essex Road, where he collapsed and died.

Peppiatt left and threw the knife and his phone into the canal the following day but he presented himself at Islington police station on June 1.

He subsequently entered a plea of not guilty to murder and was remanded in custody throughout proceedings.

‘Dad and best friend’

Paige Eastlake, the daughter of Tony, said: “As well as being my Dad, Tony was my best friend. There are no words that could ever explain the impact this tragedy has had, and continues to have on me and my family. My Dad, Tony, was killed on the May 29, 2021 we are now in 2023. It has taken a long time to get here, a very long time. I am so glad that he finally got the justice he deserves.

“What we have been through as a family is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. A part of us died that day and nothing will ever help heal the hole that is left in our hearts. My Dad was kind, funny, generous, and had the funniest laugh. To me he was just perfect, he was one of a kind. Life will never be the same without him. He will never walk me down the aisle, he will never get to see my children. We will never do anything together again. All this was taken from me in the most cruel, senseless, uncalled for way, and that is what we struggle with.

“I’d like to thank the Islington community, for all of the support that they have shown me and my family, for the floral tributes, the hundreds of people at his funeral and the constant words of support. I couldn’t be prouder of my Dad for the lasting legacy he left as the ‘Flower Man of Essex Road’.”

Met Police

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Grogan said: “I know the impact Tony Eastlake’s murder had on the community. He was a well-known figure in Islington and very popular. He had lived in Islington all his life and had run a flower stall on Essex Road for over 40 years. His family have been devastated by this senseless crime and they have had to endure a long wait for justice. My thoughts are very much with them.

“We may never know why Peppiatt placed the blame for his mother’s death at the feet of Mr Eastlake, but violence can never be an acceptable answer. Peppiatt’s extreme response to his perceived grievance was to result in Mr Eastlake losing his life and Peppiatt has rightfully been held responsible for his terrible actions.”

A 48-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday June 2, 2021 on suspicion of assisting an offender. Police say she will have no further action taken against her.