The family of a man stabbed to death after he was set upon by a group of four males on a night out have agreed to let West Midlands Police release a video of his final moments.
The victims family hope that the disturbing footage will act as a stark warning over the horrific 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 centre.
The video shows brave Jack trying to fight off the thugs, even though he was heavily outnumbered as the four cowards attacked Jack.
After being stabbed in the stomach, Jack walked after his four attackers and pulled up his shirt to show them his wound.
Once the cowardly gang saw what they had done, they ran from the scene as Jack collapsed on the floor from his injuries.
Jack had 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, the coward who plunged the knife into Jack’s stomach, has been jailed for life and will serve a minimum of 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 unfolded on 30th November 2019 as members of the gang who ended up murdering Jack were seen on CCTV targeting numerous victims as they were leaving nightspots to travel home.
One reveller was hit and kicked in the face by two of the vile gang who demanded his watch and phone.
At around 3 am, Jack left Popworld and became the gang’s next target.
The evil mob of four began to throw punches at Jack for no reason.
Brave Jack attempted to diffuse the situation, but it escalated into the four men attacking him.
Witnesses described the bravery and courage that Jack showed in defending himself from the gang, despite being outnumbered by four to one.
Jack was initially able to defend himself from the punches and protect himself from serious harm.
But then one of the cowardly thugs, Tyrall Blake, then, without any warning, pulled out a knife and stabbed Jack once, close to the stomach area.
The gang then ran away down an alleyway, while Jack, fatally wounded, managed to get to clamber to a bench.
Members of the public and security staff attempted first aid, and Jack was rushed to hospital.
But sadly died within hours of the attack.
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, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years having admitted manslaughter and violent disorder.
Watters, from Kitts Green Road in Birmingham, was 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.”
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