Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hassan Cevik, 31, accused of fatally stabbing a father and son at their family business in South London, begged for bail in his first Old Bailey hearing.
During his video connection appearance from HMP Thameside in Greenwich, Hassan, who lives in Mount Pleasant Lane, Hackney, sat in a wheelchair and put his hands together while sporting a green t-shirt.
Terry McMillan, 58, and Brendan McMillan, 27, both of Chislehurst, Bromley, passed away following reports of several stabbings that occurred inside a business building in Long Lane, Southwark, at approximately 1pm on July 28. According to court documents, two additional people, including 47-year-old Shukrat Annaev, were treated for stab wounds and transported to the hospital.
On the day of the attack, Cevik was brought to the hospital after being arrested. He was questioned by police after being released from the hospital on Saturday, August 9. He was accused of four offenses on Sunday, August 10.
Cevik is charged with two counts of murder, one count of causing grievous bodily harm in relation to Mr Annaev, and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a black handled, silver bladed kitchen knife.
At the end of the hearing on Wednesday (August 13), Cevik asked:
“Your ladyship please, can you grant me bail, please your ladyship. Please your ladyship, I beg of you, your kindness. Please your ladyship, I beg of you kind.”
Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC had already decided to deny him bail, but responded:
“I have every sympathy with you, but I am not in a position to grant bail today. I am very sorry about that.”
On October 29, Cevik is scheduled to make his next appearance at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing. To determine if the matter needs to be transferred to a different court, another hearing is scheduled for September 3.
The stabbings took place inside Terry McMillan’s real estate development firm, Trademark Homes. Terry was a “remarkable man who rose from humble beginnings to succeed in an industry where few people of color were represented at the time, and built his company Trademark to be a tour de force within the property world,” according to estate agent Richard Kalmar, who spoke to Southwark News.
Brendan McMillan had previously worked at a South London estate agency and was now the head of estates at the family firm. Brendan studied sports management at the University of Gloucestershire and went to the independent Colfe’s School in Greenwich. His ‘infectious humor and his extraordinary kindness’ were remembered by Jamaica and Blackheath Rugby, where he also played.
Paying tribute, the Old Colfeians rugby club said on its Instagram page after Brendan’s death:
“Old Colfeians lost a member of our family, one of the kindest, funniest, most genuine people you could ever meet. Brendan lit up every room he walked into, forever smiling, always cracking a joke and always full of life.
His absence will be deeply felt for a long time to come. We will miss him more than words can say and we’ll always carry his memory with us. We are also mourning the loss of his beloved father, Terry, a long-time supporter and sponsor of the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in peace, Brendan McMillan. Rest in peace, Terry McMillan.”
What are the potential legal outcomes for Hassan Cevik in this case?
Cevik will face a trial where the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that he committed the murders and other charges. His defense can present counterarguments, including mitigating circumstances or challenges to evidence.
If found guilty of murder, the most serious charge, Cevik could face a life imprisonment sentence, which is mandatory for murder convictions in England and Wales. The judge sets a minimum tariff period (time to be served before parole eligibility).
If evidence is insufficient or the defense persuades the court, he may be found not guilty on some or all charges. The court might also consider lesser charges or alternatives such as manslaughter depending on evidence about intent or circumstances.