"Something has gone wrong": Claims of 'institutional racism' over 'gang' claims in murder revenge plot trial

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

There are claims that “institutional racism” may have played a part in the conviction of a teenager jailed for plotting “revenge” attacks after a murder in north Manchester.

Ademola Adedeji, now 21 but who was 17 at the time had an offer to study law at university and had addressed MPs at the Houses of Parliament before being prosecuted for his role in the conspiracy following the death of his friend John Soyoye, a court has heard.

Mr Soyoye an aspiring rapper also known as MD or Morsley, was regarded as the 'leader' of the Moston based M40 gang. He was murdered by members of their deadly rivals, the Rochdale and Oldham based Representing the Danger (RTD). READ MORE: Missing Jay Slater in Tenerife LIVE updates from search area after 'significant' new evidence found After the tragedy, prosecutors and police said members of the M40 gang stocked up on weapons including machetes and a crossbow, and carried out at least three brutal attacks to avenge the death of the man described as their “leader.” Following a lengthy trial, in May 2022 four men were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and six others, including Adedeji, were convicted of conspiracy to commit assault causing grevious bodily harm.

Passing sentence, the judge said that each defendant had a ‘principal part’ within the criminal conspiracy ‘to kill others or cause GBH where the victims suffered very serious machete wounds.” Adedeji is one of seven of the defendants who have taken the fight against their convictions to the Court of Appeal.