A TEENAGER who killed a homeless man in a “callous and unprovoked” attack has been jailed for less than two years.

Dean Gabay, 19, attacked Janusz Krason when the Polish national approached him and a group of friends to ask for money at around midnight on May 30.

Mr Krason, 36, returned to the garage he was squatting in with two friends, but woke up the next morning feeling unwell.

When his friends returned to the dishevelled garage, at the back of shops in Birchen Grove, later that day, they found their friend dead on the floor.

Police launched a murder hunt, and traced Mr Krason's injuries back to a fight he got into with Gabay in Neasden Lane North, close to the junction with Braemar Avenue.

Gabay, of Roger Stone Court in Coombe Road, admitted manslaughter at the start of the month, and was today jailed for 21 months at the Old Bailey.

Detective Inspector Andy Manning, who led the investigation into Mr Krason's death, said: "This was a callous and unprovoked attack on a defenceless and vulnerable man.

"There was no excuse for the level of violence that Gabay used in his attack on Janusz.

"This was a particularly difficult enquiry and this sentence shows that men of violence will not be tolerated by the courts.”

Following the sentencing, Mr Krason's brother Zbigniew thanked the police for their efforts catching Gabay.

He said: "I would like to express on behalf of my parents and myself, our gratitude to the Metropolitan Police for the investigation of my brother Janusz Krason's death.

“The investigation brought a swift apprehension and charge of the suspect.

"I also would like to thank the police for the frequent contact and information about the continuing progress of the case which was so important to us during those times.

“I thank you for your support and keeping us going . It helped us during those difficult times."