A CHURCH cancelled a talk by a born again Christian after they learned that his victim was stabbed just two miles from their doors. Bethel Church in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, had asked Desmond Brown to attend the Castle Green centre to speak to people

A CHURCH cancelled a talk by a 'born again' Christian after they learned that his victim was stabbed just two miles from their doors.

Bethel Church in Parsloes Avenue, Dagenham, had asked Desmond Brown to attend the Castle Green centre to speak to people in the borough about knife crime.

It is part of their 'I Had to Choose' campaign which teaches about Christian conversion and the power of forgiveness.

But Pastor Ken Williamson was unaware that Desmond's victim was Christopher Barrell, 21, who was killed back in May, 1991 in St Chad's Park.

It is alleged that an argument broke out between the two young men and Christopher was fatally stabbed. Desmond Brown was later convicted of manslaughter.

He says he has turned away from his violent past after spending time in prison, and now works as a youth pastor at a Christian centre in Walthamstow.

He wanted the chance to meet Christopher's family earlier this year but the tragic 21-year-old's parents said there was no way they could ever forgive him for what he had done.

He tours London giving anti-knife crime talks trying to persuade young people not to make the mistakes he did.

Bethel asked Desmond to speak at Castle Green on Sunday, November 9 as an example of someone who had turned from a life of crime and found God.

But the talk was cancelled at the last minute when the Barrell family raised their concerns.

Instead, a video of Desmond's talk was shown to the centre's audience.

A charity football event is held in St Chad's Park, Chadwell Heath, every year in memory of former soldier, Christopher.