Man denies killing film student as court hears shocking Primrose Hill stabbing murder case in London involving violent park brawl

A 27-year-old man accused of murdering a film student during a violent incident at Primrose Hill has denied the allegation in court, insisting he was wrongly identified.

Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court in east London, where he is charged with the murder of 21-year-old Finbar Sullivan.

Standing in the dock, he confirmed his personal details before making an unexpected statement to the judge, repeatedly insisting he had no involvement in the attack.

He said he was not the attacker and claimed police had arrested the wrong person.

Court moment draws attention as accused rejects allegations

The hearing saw the defendant briefly interrupt proceedings after confirming his identity.

Although no formal plea was requested at this stage, he asked to address the court directly.

With raised hands, he told the courtroom: “I didn’t kill anybody. I didn’t stab anybody. Police got the wrong person.”

District Judge Ashwinder Gill ordered that he remain in custody following the appearance.

The case has now been moved to the Old Bailey, with the next hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

Authorities confirmed that Ogunyankinnu, of Enfield in north London, was arrested on Friday and later charged with murder on Sunday.

A separate 25-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released with no further action.

How the Primrose Hill violence unfolded

The fatal stabbing took place during a large public gathering at Primrose Hill in north London, where a fight reportedly broke out among groups of young men.

Witnesses described sudden chaos in a crowded park, with punches thrown and people shouting as the situation escalated rapidly in front of bystanders enjoying the area.

Emergency responders attempted to save Finbar Sullivan, performing CPR at the scene for around 20 minutes.

Despite those efforts, he was pronounced dead.

One witness recalled the shock of the incident, describing how a busy afternoon turned into panic within moments as the violence erupted.

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Family heartbreak and tributes for Finbar Sullivan

Grief has been shared widely by the victim’s family, who described him as a creative, kind, and ambitious young filmmaker.

Christopher Sullivan, a musician and founder of the 1980s band Blue Rondo à la Turk, said he rushed to the scene after receiving news of the stabbing but was prevented from entering due to the crime scene cordon.

He later described the loss of his only son as unimaginable, recalling how Finbar had gone out to film with a newly purchased camera.

Tributes have continued at Primrose Hill, where supporters left messages and customised T-shirts featuring the young filmmaker, affectionately known as “Sully.”

Finbar’s creative background included studies at the London Screen Academy and work producing music videos under the name “Sully Shot It.”

He had also collaborated within London’s music scene and was preparing to expand his filmmaking work into a new business venture.

His grandfather, celebrated cinematographer Roger Seresin, is known for work on major productions including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The family is also connected to the Seresin wine estate in New Zealand.

Finbar’s mother, Leah, previously shared emotional tributes online, describing her son as deeply loved and cherished.

Police investigation continues amid public concern

Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Andy Griffin confirmed that multiple investigative lines are being followed.

Officers believe the incident occurred in a heavily populated public space and are appealing for witnesses, including those with video or photo evidence, to come forward.

Authorities also acknowledged that footage circulating on social media may be relevant to the investigation and urged the public to share any material that could assist.

Impact and Consequences

The killing has left a deep impact on the local community, turning a popular London park into the centre of a major murder investigation.

Public confidence in safety at busy recreational spaces has been shaken, particularly given the broad daylight setting and large number of witnesses present.

For the victim’s family, the emotional and creative loss is profound, cutting short the life of a young filmmaker already building a career in the industry.

The case has also intensified scrutiny of youth violence in public spaces and how quickly large gatherings can turn dangerous.

What’s next?

The accused will next appear at the Old Bailey, where more detailed proceedings are expected to begin.

At that stage, formal pleas and early legal arguments are likely to be presented.

Investigators will continue reviewing witness accounts and digital footage to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Police are also expected to maintain their appeal for additional information from the public.

Summary

A 27-year-old man has been charged with murdering film student Finbar Sullivan after a stabbing at Primrose Hill.

In court, he denied the allegation and claimed police arrested the wrong person.

The case has been sent to the Old Bailey as investigations continue, while the victim’s family and community mourn his death.

Bulleted Takeaways

• A 27-year-old man is charged with murdering film student Finbar Sullivan
• The accused, Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, denied the allegation in court
• Incident happened during a violent fight at Primrose Hill in north London
• Victim died despite 20 minutes of CPR at the scene
• Family described Finbar as a talented young filmmaker with strong creative ambitions
• Case has been sent to the Old Bailey for the next hearing
• Police continue to appeal for witnesses and digital evidence
• Community tributes continue at the park where the stabbing occurred