Killers locked up over stabbing caught on camera outside Popworld
Four thugs have been locked up after a young man was stabbed to death in direct view of CCTV cameras in the West Midlands
Jack Donoghue, 21, died after being stabbed in the stomach when he was set upon by four thugs at the end of a night out in Solihull last year.
Knifeman Tyrall Blake has now been convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison while three other men, including a 20-year-old from Lichfield, convicted of manslaughter have been jailed for more than seven years each.
And Mr Donoghue's family have given permission for CCTV footage of the attack to be shared in a bid to highlight the reality of knife crime in the West Midlands.
The video shows how Mr Donoghue was attacked shortly after leaving Popworld at around 3am on November 30.
The gang had been targeting victims as they left venues in the town centre, with two of the thugs kicking a man in the face and demanding his watch and phone.
They threw punches at Mr Donoghue who first tried to diffuse the situation and then defended himself from the flurry of blows until Blake lunged at him with a knife and stabbed him in the stomach.
The CCTV shows Mr Donoghue examining his wound as the men fled down an alleyway, some of them attempting to hide their faces.
Their victim initially followed them, despite blood pouring from his wound, before getting to a bench where members of the public and security staff attempted first aid.
He was taken to hospital but died three hours later having suffered major blood loss.
WATCH the video here:
Warning: contains distressing footage
Speaking about the release of the video, Jack’s family said: “Although it is painful to watch what happened to Jack in the CCTV we feel it is important for everyone to see the impact knife crime can have.”
Blake, 21, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years. He was also convicted of violent disorder, assault with intent to rob and possession of a knife.
Connor Moore, 20, of Weston Road in Lichfield, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after admitting manslaughter and violent disorder.
Nile Bennett, 23, of Court Lane in Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder. He was jailed for nine-and-a-half years.
And Regan Watters, 21, of Kitts Green Road in Birmingham, was jailed for 11 years after admitting manslaughter, assault with intent to rob and violent disorder.
Det Insp Jim Mahon, who led the investigation for West Midlands Police, said: “This was an appalling, senseless attack on an innocent young man just trying to enjoy a night out in Solihull with friends.
“These four thugs were determined to cause trouble and inflict violence that night, and for some reason decided to pick on Jack.
“His bravery and sense of justice meant he was able to defend himself to a point, but sadly this again shows the deadly consequences that carrying a knife can often have.
“Jack’s family have endured the trial and had to watch the CCTV of Jack’s last moments many times. They have acted with dignity and respect during all proceedings which is a credit to them as a family.
“It’s really important that young people, parents and teachers understand the terrible consequences of knife crime.
"Carrying a knife will not protect you from harm, it is increasingly evident that it will escalate minor violence into serious harm and death.
“Lives are lost, and others face years behind bars."
