#wathupondearne
Latest news in Yorkshire: Published March 16, 2019 01:47:03 PM
Yesterday (Thursday 14 March) Danny Trotter of no-fixed-abode was
sentenced to life in prison, to serve a minimum of 22 years for the
murder of 31-year-old Gavin Singleton.
On Sunday 23 September 2018 the Yorkshire Ambulance Service received a
999 call from a member of the public saying that two men had been
stabbed on Walkley Lane, Sheffield. On arrival, paramedics found Mr
Singleton to be in a critical condition. Members of the public were
performing CPR on him. He had sustained three stab wounds, one to the
chest and two to his right leg.
Paramedics arrived and treated Mr Singleton at the scene. He was then
taken to the Northern General hospital where he underwent emergency
surgery, at the time his injuries were described as life threatening.
Sadly, on 1 October 2018 the decision was made to withdraw life support,
and five days later on 6 October 2018 Mr Singleton died.
Following the hearing yesterday Gavin Singleton’s family said “We would
like to thank South Yorkshire Police, the detectives who were part of
this case and our family liaison officer who have all worked tirelessly
in their efforts to bring Gavin’s killer to justice. Our family have
very much appreciated the support they have received throughout this
difficult time.
“We are both happy and relieved with the guilty verdict, it won’t bring
Gavin back but maybe he will be able to rest easier.
“Gavin was a kind, happy, and well liked young man with lots of close
friends and family. Gavin had a heart of gold and would do anything to
help a person in need, even following his death he helped a number of
people by being an organ donor.
“This was a horrific and senseless knife attack. Gavin went out for a
drink with friends and never made it home.
“Not only is this devastating for his family and close friends, but it
will have a lasting impact on the people who knew him, those who
witnessed what happened that night and the professionals who worked on
this case.
“Knife crime is in the news on a constant basis at the moment, we’re all
aware of it but when it happens to your family it just leaves emptiness
inside the whole family. We won’t ever get Gavin back.
“As a family who has suffered a loss from knife crime, we would urge
anyone even thinking of carrying a knife to think of the consequences,
not only to the victim and yourself, but to everyone involved. The
lasting effect it has on families is devastating. Please think. You can
choose not to carry a knife.”
In sentencing Mr Justice Nicklin considered the impact on several
members of the public who witnessed the aftermath of the stabbing,
Trotter’s attempt to get rid of the knife in a river and the stabbing of
Scott Fauvel, along with the fact that the incident was linked to (and
caused by) dealing drugs.
He rejected that there was any element of self-defence in the stabbing
of Gavin Singleton.
He recognised the public concern around knife crime saying: “The Court
of Appeal has stated that murders like this outrage and horrify our
communities.
“Anyone who goes into a public place armed with a knife or other weapon,
and who uses it to kill, must anticipate punishment commensurate with
that justified outrage and public concern.
“Reflecting that, Parliament has acted by introducing the 25 year
starting point in cases like this.” He therefore did not add anything
further to the sentence.
For the murder of Gavin Singleton, Danny Trotter was sentenced to life
imprisonment. Trotter spent 170 days on remand awaiting trial and this
was deducted from the 25 year sentence imposed, leaving 22 years to
serve. Sentences were also given for three other offences committed at
the same time, and will be served concurrently with the term being
served for murder. They were:
Possession of an offensive weapon – sentence 12 months
Supplying cocaine to Gavin Singleton – 15 months
Section 20 wounding – 16 months
Detective Chief Inspector Jude Ashmore said; “the message to anyone who
is even considering carrying a knife is simple – don’t do it. The impact
knife crime has is devastating and long lasting, and if you commit crime
while carrying a knife you will feel the full force of the law.
“Gavin Singleton’s family and friends have suffered a tragic loss that
should never have happened and although yesterday’s sentencing won’t
bring Gavin back I hope it gives them comfort as they try to make sense
of what has happened”.
===================
See our yorkshire photography:
https://wath-on-dearne.com/wathondearne/around-the-dearne-valley/
[status draft]
[tags jail, murder, rotherham]