Teenager Convicted of Murdering Drug Dealer Hamid Erfani in Brighton Robbery

A teenager has been convicted of murder after stabbing drug dealer Hamid Erfani to death during a robbery in Brighton. The youth, aged 17, cannot be named due to legal restrictions. He was previously acquitted of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article in connection with the incident.

Mr Erfani, aged 33, sustained a fatal stab wound to the leg during the encounter. The prosecution detailed how the teenager and another male had ambushed Mr Erfani with the intention of robbing him. The court heard evidence that Mr Erfani was known to police as a drug dealer.

The teenager denied both murder and manslaughter throughout the proceedings, claiming self-defence. However, the jury at Lewes Crown Court rejected this account, finding him guilty of murder.

Sentencing has been adjourned until 28 June. The other male involved in the robbery, who was not identified as the assailant, received a non-custodial sentence for his role.