Wimbledon murder: Man jailed for life after fatal hostel stabbing left victim in ‘pool of blood’

A man has been jailed for life after a fatal stabbing in a hostel left the victim in a “pool of blood”.

Mongo Bolili, 35, from Merton, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of Paul Dalton, 41, at a residence in Wimbledon, Merton.

Bolili, also known as ‘Ed’, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, November 4, and was sentenced for life with a 23-year minimum, after being convicted at the same court in July.

Police were called to the address at 12.55am on January 13, 2021, following reports of a stabbing after an argument between two residents.

Mr Dalton was found in a pool of blood and despite efforts to save him, died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found his cause of death was a single stab wound to the back of the left thigh, puncturing the femoral vein and artery.

CCTV filmed prior to the attack showed Paul slamming a communal door, adjacent to Bolili’s room, and Bolili then searched the building, apparently looking for Paul, the Met Police said.

At 12.37am, Paul was sitting in a friend’s room, before Bolili entered and then left in less than two minutes, after carrying out the attack, described by officers as “brief but deadly”.

The friend, who witnessed the attack and gave crucial evidence at the trial, alerted residents and staff who called police and rendered first aid.

Forensic examination found Paul’s blood on the blade and Bolili’s DNA on the handle.

DCI Jim Shirley, from the Met, who led the investigation, said: “Bolili claimed Paul’s friend had stabbed him, but there was no evidence at all to support this.”

He added: “My team of officers worked fast and incredibly hard for Paul and I thank them for their diligence and dedication.

“I hope Paul’s family can derive some comfort that we have done everything we possibly could to bring them justice.”