Full Breakdown
Manslaughter Conviction After Fatal Stabbing Over a Fake Rolex Near De Montfort University
8/26/2026, 8:33:11 AM
Fatal Stabbing Near De Montfort University
On February 3, 19-year-old Harper Dennis delivered five knife blows to the chest of 20-year-old Khaleed Oladipo outside the Innovation Centre of De Montfort University in Leicester. Oladipo suffered six wounds—including one that pierced his heart—and died at Leicester Royal Infirmary about an hour later.
Background of the Dispute
The men met through online gaming and entered a financial arrangement. Dennis said he had given Oladipo £6,000 of savings for a scheme that never materialised. Oladipo offered a Rolex watch as partial repayment; Dennis later discovered it was counterfeit. Dennis, who acknowledged a gambling addiction, said he felt “annoyed” and “disappointed” and threatened to expose Oladipo online.
Trial and Verdict
After a two-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, a jury found Dennis guilty of manslaughter, possessing an offensive weapon, and failing to disclose the PIN to his mobile phone, while acquitting him of murder. Prosecutor Jane Osborne KC argued the attack was pre-planned, citing CCTV and dash-cam footage. Judge Timothy Spencer KC sentenced Dennis to 10 years’ imprisonment, noting the “five separate applications” of the knife and the high risk of serious harm.
Data & Statistics
- Five knife blows to the chest
- Six total wounds (five chest, one thumb)
- Victim age: 20; defendant age: 19
- Sentence: 10 years’ imprisonment
On-the-Ground Reports
CCTV showed both men walking toward each other; dash-cam footage recorded the stabbing on Oxford Street. Oladipo’s girlfriend heard his final words before calling an ambulance. After the attack, Dennis fled, handed a bag of clothing to his flatmate, and was later arrested at his student accommodation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on injury counts: the BBC cites six wounds, while the Independent mentions five chest blows. It is unclear whether the thumb wound occurred before or after the chest injuries.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It took less than 30 seconds for the two men to come together, to struggle and for the defendant to leave,” — Jane Osborne
- “You took a knife to the fight, you used it, this was not a one-off thrust of the knife but five separate applications and it should have been obvious to you this carried a high risk of serious harm.” — Judge Spencer
What’s Next
Following the August 25 verdict, Dennis received a 10-year custodial term, to be served in a UK prison. The case remains cited in discussions of youth violence and financial disputes among students.
