LONDON – A 21-year-old Bermudian who stabbed a rival drug dealer to death in Britain has been jailed for life by a judge in the southern county of Hampshire.
Zandrae Smith, 21, who lived in Bradford in the northern county of West Yorkshire, must serve at least 22 years in prison after being convicted by a jury over the attack, which he claimed was in self-defence.
The judge, Keith Cutler QC, told Smith at Winchester Crown Court on Friday: “You came from Bermuda with the intent of making your life better and doing your education. Inevitably there were financial pressures and you took a wrong decision. You agreed to get involved with the supply of drugs for money.”
“Rather than walk away, you reacted and it was clear in the jury’s verdict and the facts of this case your reaction was one of anger, an act of revenge — you had been humiliated and you wanted to strike back.”
The court heard that Smith had been robbed by Tommy Ferris, 28, from London, before he knifed him at about 1 a.m. on April 13.
The Bermudian was robbed of his mobile phone as well as money and drugs and left the scene. He later returned and stabbed Ferris four times. Ferris died in an alley in the Hampshire town of Andover.
Smith was arrested in Bradford more than 200 miles away three days after the killing.
The court also heard that Smith had attempted to take back his stolen possessions from his victim as a police officer performed CPR on Ferris. (CMC)
