Yahoo Finance Gang of five jailed for life for brutal murder of 26-year-old after drug-fuelled party
A gang of five men have been jailed for life for the brutal murder of a man stabbed to death just hours after they posted videos on Snapchat from a drug-fuelled party.
Stefan Selvage, 19, Dawid Goral, 21, Callon Brass, 22, Kieran Watkinson, 19, and Stevie Low, 23, were ordered to serve a combined minimum of nearly 100 years for the murder of Solomon Robinson, 26.
The gang were involved in a joint attack on Robinson in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in the early hours of October 20, 2019, before fleeing the scene.
During a trial of four of the group, the court heard that just hours before the “cold and cowardly” attack, they uploaded videos to Snapchat showing knives and a large amount of money.
CCTV footage showed them walking through Scarborough together - wearing the same clothing as in the video - to the area where Robinson was stabbed.
The footage shows several figures fighting in the darkness in front of the town hall, with at least three brandishing a knife then fleeing, while Robinson is seen staggering away before collapsing on the ground.
Read more: Footage shows woman, 77, trying to fight off mugger with crutches as he grabbed handbag
Police arrived at the scene within minutes to find the 26-year-old bleeding heavily after suffering an 11-inch stab wound to his lower back, the court heard.
He was rushed to hospital and given emergency surgery but died three hours later after suffering “catastrophic” bleeding.
Selvage admitted murder the day before a trial, while the other four men denied murder but were found guilty after a four-week trial at Leeds Crown Court.
All five were handed life sentences. Selvage must serve a minimum of 15 years before he is considered for release, while Watkinson must serve a minimum of 18, Brass must serve a minimum of 21 years, Goral must serve a minimum of 21 years and Low 23 years. Low was also sentenced to three years and six months for being concerned in supply of a controlled drug of Class A drug.
A victim impact statement written from Robinson’s mother read to the court at the sentencing hearing said her son's death had "destroyed" their family, adding: "It has simply crushed our souls and I doubt the family can ever be the same again".
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: “This was an appalling act of premeditated violence and our thoughts remain with Mr Robinson’s family as they attempt to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“I would like to praise them for behaving with nothing but dignity, despite the court proceedings being very distressing at times.
“After carrying out the brutal attack, the group fled the scene.
“Their actions were cowardly and cold, and they have proven themselves to be dangerous individuals who have rightly been taken off our streets for a significant amount of time."
She added: “I hope the outcome can offer Mr Robinson’s loved ones some comfort that justice has been served.
“I hope the sentence handed out sends a strong message to anyone who chooses to carry a knife. Just because you are not the one holding the weapon, it doesn’t make you any less responsible if damage is done because of it.”
Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK News
