Man Sentenced To 20 Years Over Denis Cowan Murder

A man has been jailed for 20 years for the murder of a man in October 2000.

Dialo Hall, 33, of no fixed abode was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years for the murder of 27-year-old Denis Cowan. He was also sentenced to 12 years for possession of a firearm with intent and possession of a firearm - this sentence is to run concurrently.

At approximately 18:15hrs on 2 October 2000, Denis Cowan drove to Coldharbour Lane, SE5 where he parked next to a Ford Focus containing two men.

Denis subsequently became embroiled in an argument with the driver.

Hall, who was the passenger in the car, got out of the vehicle and pulled a handgun from his waistband before shooting Denis, who fell to the ground. Hall then shot him three times in the head.

A post-mortem examination held at Greenwich Mortuary on 3 October 2000 gave cause of death as multiple gun-shot wounds to the head.

An investigation was launched by officers from Trident.

Detectives discovered that the Ford was a rental vehicle and were able to trace it to a road in Thornton Heath. The driver of the car was arrested and charged.

Further investigations identified Hall as a possible suspect for the shooting. In 2002, he was traced to a remand centre in Jamaica where he was using the name David Millan.

Fingerprint records confirmed his identity and extradition proceedings began.

On 29 May 2012, having served his sentence, he was served with an extradition warrant.

He was escorted by officers on 26 July 2012 to Gatwick Airport. Upon his arrival, he was taken to Croydon police station and arrested for murder. He was charged later that day.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling, of the Trident Gang Crime Command, said: "It has taken 13 years to secure the conviction of this violent man, a man who shot Mr Cowan in the head while he was lying on the ground.

"It is a perfect example to illustrate that no matter how much time has passed, or how far a suspect is willing to flee, the Met remains committed to finding those responsible for violent crime. It should send a stark warning to those people who have little regard for others, that you will be caught."

(CD/IT)