Norbury mum pleads for London to change after fatal stabbing of son (From Croydon Guardian)

Norbury mum pleads for London to change after fatal stabbing of son

2:25pm Tuesday 15th September 2009 in

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An aspiring football coach was stabbed to death outside a house in east London.

Perry Nelson Jnr, from Norbury, was attacked in Southampton Way, Peckham on Thursday, September 10, along with a 41-year-old man. Mr Nelson, 24, and the other victim were taken to Kings College Hospital at about 8.25pm suffering from stab wounds. Mr Nelson died a short time later.

A postmortem examination gave the cause of death as stab wounds. The other man was discharged the following day

Mr Nelson’s mother said it felt like “someone had cut my lifeline” when she was told the news.

Speaking exclusively to the Croydon Guardian she said: “Although his life has been cut short I thank God he was given to me. He was a very special child.

“He was destined to go places. This has destroyed lives, simple as that.

“London has got to change. More needs to be done in terms of how people conduct themselves in their daily lives.”

Mr Nelson, known as Junior, attended Kelsey Park School, in Bromley, before attending Royal Alexandra and Albert School, in Reigate.

He excelled in history but his main love was football.

Mrs Nelson recalled his PE teacher saying he was “the most talented boy he had taught for many years”.

The midfielder played at county level but decided he wanted to use his skills to help others.

Perry went to Croydon College to study sports science and wanted to set up a business coaching football to young people in the area.

Mrs Nelson said he was a family person who had been with his girlfriend for seven years.

She said: “He was an only child but his cousins were like brothers and sisters to him.

“He was great with the kids, they all loved him.”

She said she wanted his death to serve as a warning to others and to bring about change.

She said: “There needs to be tougher sentences. A knife can cause as much damage as a gun. There are so many opportunities for people to do things – they should be out there doing something positive.”

An incident room was opened under detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4054. If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Samuel Quamina, 49, of Southampton Way, Peckham, appeared at Sutton Magistrates Court charged with murder and causing grievous bodily harm.

Mr Quamina was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on December 15.

Tyrone White, 38, from Gypsy Hill was charged with one count of attempted robbery.