A Croydon teen murdered a man who had been trying to defend his friends from a robbery. 

Rocco Mustafa, 18, stabbed 20-year-old Thomas Waugh to death on August 19 last year after a failed robbery. 

Thomas and two friends were sitting on a bench on Tonbridge Racecourse Park when they were approached by two people they didn't know, Mustafa and another teenage boy. 

Mustafa was holding a large knife and together the pair threatened the men, demanding they hand over their phones. 

The victims tried to negotiate with the pair until Thomas said he would pay them some cash, and ran from the scene. 

Thomas' friends surrendered a gold chain, a pack of cigarettes and £5 in cash before Thomas returned holding a stick hoping to cause a distraction to allow his friends to escape. 

This Is Local London: Brave Thomas Waugh died trying to save his friendsBrave Thomas Waugh died trying to save his friends (Image: Kent Police)

He ran towards Avebury Avenue where the offenders caught up with him in a car park where Mustafa then stabbed him in the torso. 

His friends returned to find him being treated by a member of the public. Thomas died at the scene a short time later. 

Mustafa called his mum, Claire White, and she travelled to Tonbridge to collect him but due to the presence of police officers in the town she returned him and collected him the following morning. 

Mustafa, of Chipstead Valley Road in Coulsdon, and the other teen were arrested on August 21. 

In court Mustafa pleaded guilty to murder, while the other teen was convicted of murder after a trial. 

White, Mustafa’s mum, was found guilty of assisting an offender. 

This Is Local London: Rocco Mustafa was convicted of murderRocco Mustafa was convicted of murder (Image: Kent Police)

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Neil Kimber, said: “This was a shocking incident in which a young man lost his life due to his concerns for the safety of his friends. 

“His brave efforts contrast starkly with the criminal actions of two teenagers intent on violence. 

“Their appalling behaviour has left a family mourning the needless loss of a much-loved young man with his future in front of him. 

“The conduct of Mustafa’s mother was also deplorable and she should be thoroughly ashamed of her actions. 

“I can only hope the sentences, when they are given at a later hearing, allow the victim’s relatives and friends some closure following Thomas’ tragic death.”