An Enfield man has been jailed alongside his accomplice for the murder of a 30-year-old during a bungled robbery.

Jeremy Lewis, of Generals Walk, Enfield, and Roul Hesse, of no fixed abode, were found guilty of stabbing James Sweeney to death during an argument outside his Clapton flat on May 4 last year.

Lewis, 30, and Hesse, 23, had attended the flat, police believe, with the intention of robbing Mr Sweeney and others at the address, which was being used as a cannabis factory.

An altercation broke out outside, during which Mr Sweeney was stabbed eight times. Lewis was also stabbed twice in the brawl, and was picked up by police at a nearby hospital and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hesse was not at the hospital but was later linked to the incident by phone records, CCTV and association with Lewis.

The pair pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle but were yesterday jailed for a minimum of 30 years for murder at the Old Bailey.

Two other men, Hezie Renee, 23, and Marlan Cox, 23, were found not guilty of conspiracy to burgle.

Detective Chief Inspector Neale Baldock said: "It has never been established what sparked the argument which led to the brutal murder of James Sweeney. However, what is clear is that Mr Sweeney was attacked in a brutal manner and with lethal force.

"I can only hope that the verdict offers some solace to Mr Sweeney's friends and family who have had to deal with the tragic consequences of this mindless, violent act."