Algerian stabbed employee and slit his throat in the early hours

A machine operator at an industrial launderette has admitted murdering his work colleague the day after they argued on site.

The Old Bailey heard Algerian Yousef Chelloum, 34, stabbed Peter Joseph repeatedly and slit his throat at the premises of Go Workwear Ltd in Fourth Way, Wembley, in the early morning of July 20 last year.

A post mortem revealed Mr Joseph, a married father-of-three originally from Kemala in India, died from stab wounds and blood loss.

There were no witnesses to the assault as Chelloum and Mr Joseph, who both worked and lived in the premises, were the only two people there at the time.

The attack took place before the launderette opened up and Mr Joseph’s body was discovered by another colleague who arrived on site at 7.40am.

Chelloum was traced to a nearby mosque and arrested a short time later. The court heard he had tried to attack the victim with a screwdriver the previous day following an argument.

Today (Monday), Chelloum pleaded guilty to his murder through an Arabic interpreter.

He had previously denied the charge, but changed his plea in a brief hearing before Judge Roger Chapple QC.

He had been due to stand trial next week

The court heard he had been suffering from mental health difficulties before and after the killing.

Judge Chapple adjourned sentencing until June 22, when prosecutor Zoe Johnson will open the case in full.

Chelloum was remanded in custody.