TWO men have been sentenced to life in prison after they were convicted of murdering a father-of-two in Hounslow last year.

Nathan Mitra, 32, was killed on July 30 2020, while attending a gathering in Clements Court.

Mohammad Butt, 22, of Twickenham and Kalid Abdi, 26, of Hounslow, were found guilty of murder on Monday, June 21, and were sentenced two days later, on Wednesday, June 23.

Butt was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon, which he received an additional 18-months imprisonment for, to be served concurrently.

In the early hours of July 30, Abdi and Butt arrived at a flat in Clements Court to collect Abdi's girlfriend, where a small group was gathered, including Mitra.

Evidence from text messages showed Abdi to be a jealous and controlling individual who was annoyed that his girlfriend was in the company of others.

Almost immediately after entering the flat, Butt stabbed Mitra and tried to attack others.

Mitra managed to flee the scene but succumbed to his wounds a short distance away.

The perpetrators tried to evade justice by fleeing the UK to Norway three days later.

Homicide detectives worked with extradition partners and Norwegian law enforcement to locate the suspects and return them to the UK to face trial.

Butt argued in court that Mitra had been stabbed by accident in an act of self-defence, while Abdi suggested that he was not party to a joint attack.

The jury however rejected both claims and both were found unanimously guilty.

Detective Inspector Matt Read, Specialist Crime Command, said: "This was a senseless attack on an innocent man with two young children and his whole life ahead of him.

"The sentencing today reflects the horrific nature of these offences and the terrible loss of life.

"I would also like to pay a huge tribute to Nathan's family who have had to listen to the details of the case and the lies advanced by the defendants.

"They have remained steadfast throughout and I hope that these convictions go some way to bringing them a degree of resolution."

Nathan's mother Indrani Mitra, speaking on behalf of his family, said: "I will never forget that horrific moment on July 30 2020 when I heard the words from a police officer on the phone saying they were sorry they were unable to save Nathan.

"I had only said goodbye to Nathan a few hours earlier.

"He gave us a kiss and a big hug and said, 'see you later' to me and to his two little girls.

"My son never came back.

"The loss of a father for any child is unimaginable.

"Nathan's daughter's talk about their papa every day and want him to come home, especially his older daughter who is now five years old.

"Nathan had so many dreams and plans for his daughters.

"He worked hard and wanted to try and do the best for them.

"Nathan should be here with his daughters and to see them grow.

"It is a living nightmare and my feeling of sadness is overwhelming.

"I cannot come to terms with how my son suffered that night.

"My heart is broken for him.

"I haven't yet begun to process the loss of Nathan.

"No one has."