Man convicted of Waltham Forest cafe murder

15/06/2012

A 36 year old man has been convicted of murdering a man inside a café in Waltham Forest.

Matthew Quesada was found guilty of one count of murder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court which began on 10 May 2012. His girlfriend, 26 year old Maria Brigette, was convicted of one count of assisting an offender.

CPS London lawyer Sarah Counsell said:

"The victim, Alan Smith, could not have known the fatal consequence of the simple question he posed to Matthew Quesada in March last year.

"Quesadas reaction to what he perhaps saw as a criticism of his parenting ability was completely out of proportion and demonstrates that he is an extremely dangerous man.

"When told what he had done his girlfriend sought to protect him and assist him in evading capture. Had she been successful Quesada would not have been brought to justice and it is right that she too has been convicted of a criminal offence.

"This attack, which followed little more than a passing comment, has had a devastating effect upon Mr. Smiths family but I hope that todays verdict offers them some comfort at this difficult time."

Both defendants will be sentenced on 13 July 2012.