The family of a man stabbed to death on a night out has asked us to release a video of his final moments as a stark warning over the consequences of knife possession.
Jack Donoghue was stabbed once near the stomach by Tyrall Blake after the killer and his cowardly friends ganged up on the 21-year-old in Solihull town center.
The video shows brave Jack trying to fight off the thugs and walking after them as they tried fleeing the scene.
But he’d suffered a catastrophic internal injury from the knife wound and died in hospital three hours later having suffered significant blood loss.
Today 21-year-old Blake has been jailed for life and will serve at least 23 years behind bars.
Accomplices Nile Bennett (23), Connor Moore (20), and 21-year-old Regan Watters were convicted of manslaughter and collectively jailed for almost 30 years.
Speaking about the release of the video, Jack’s family have 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.”
The night of violence on 30 November last year unfolded as members of the four-strong gang were seen on CCTV targeting victims as they were leaving nightspots to travel home.
One reveler was hit and kicked in the face in the face by two of the gang who demanded his watch and phone.
Then, at around 3 am, Jack left Popworld and became the gang’s next target as they began to throw punches at him.
Jack attempted to diffuse the situation but it escalated into the four men attacking him. Witnesses described the bravery and valour that Jack showed in defending himself from the gang.
Despite being outnumbered, Jack was able to defend the punches and protect himself from serious harm.
But one of the men then pulled out a knife and stabbed Jack once, close to the stomach area.
The gang fled down an alleyway, while Jack, fatally wounded, managed to get to a bench.
Members of the public and security staff attempted first aid and Jack was taken to hospital but sadly died within hours.
Blake, 21, of no fixed address, was also convicted of violent disorder, assault with intent to rob, and possession of a knife.
Bennett, of Court Lane, Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder. He’s been jailed for nine-and-a-half years.
Moore, from Weston Road, Lichfield, jailed for seven-and-a-half years having admitted manslaughter and violent disorder.
Watters, from Kitts Green Road in Birmingham, jailed for 11 years having admitted manslaughter, assault with intent to rob, and violent disorder.
DI Jim Mahon, who led the investigation, 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.
“We had an absolutely fantastic response to our appeals for information from people living in Solihull in the aftermath of this tragedy, and it’s meant we’ve been able to secure the convictions that we have today.
“The witnesses bravely attended court for the trial and were ready to provide evidence twice in light of the restrictions that the COVID pandemic placed upon holding trials.
“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.”