A British Army veteran was killed after a vicious assault, as a trio of young attackers have been found guilty of manslaughter.
Martin Chadburn, 53, suffered life-threatening head injuries during an altercation after a night out.
Despite being rushed to hospital and the best efforts of medical professionals he died just two days later.
READ MORE: Brit’s ‘most dangerous driving witnessed’ puts ‘hundreds’ at risk
The trio of Britney Naylor, 20, Shaytiya Farrow, 21, and Lukasz Matusiak, 27, have now been found guilty of manslaughter.
The group featured in a seven-week trial at Hull Crown Court, which concluded on Monday (19 Oct), as reported by Need To Know.
Naylor, of Dibsdane, Hull, Farrow, of Peter Street, Blackpool, and Matusiak, of Needlers Way, Hull, have been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on 27 November.
Britney’s twin sister Bethany, 20, of Deerhurst Grove, Hull, alongside Kristjan Suits, 35, of Queens Road, Hull, were found not guilty and acquitted of any crime in connection with the incident.
Police were called at around 3.40am on Sunday, 19 Apr, following reports that a man had been seriously assaulted during an altercation involving a group of people.
Martin died on 21 Apr following the incident outside Princes Quay, on Carr Lane, in Hull, and was later identified by his family.
Detectives from the Humberside Police’s Major Crime Team launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.
Footage showed a group of people involved in the vicious assault.
Officers identified two men, later confirmed as Suits and Matusiak, through CCTV from a bar on Carr Lane that the group had visited that night.
Investigators also traced a taxi used by the women to leave the city centre shortly after the incident.
The driver confirmed that three women matching the descriptions provided had been dropped off at an address on Freemantle Avenue, Hull.
During the early hours of the following morning, Bethany Naylor and Farrow contacted police, placing themselves at the scene and naming Britney Naylor as also being involved in the altercation.
Further enquiries led officers to an address in Blackpool, where Farrow and Britney Naylor were located.
Bethany Naylor was later found at her home address, while Suits and Matusiak were tracked down to an address in Hull.
All five were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before being further arrested on suspicion of murder following Martin’s death.
They were charged with murder on 23 April and remanded into custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy, senior investigating officer, said: “This is a truly tragic case which began with an altercation in the early hours of the morning and ended with a family losing a loved one.
“Martin was 53-years-old and had the rest of his life ahead of him. Instead, a confrontation escalated into violence, and he suffered injuries which ultimately cost him his life.
“Nothing can undo the devastating impact Martin’s death has had on his family and those who knew and loved him.
“Fighting with another person can be an impulsive decision in the moment, but this case demonstrates just how awful the consequences of those decisions can be.
“What may start as an argument or confrontation can very quickly spiral into something which changes lives forever.
“I hope this case serves as a stark reminder that violence is never the answer. Walking away from a confrontation can be one of the most important decisions you make.”
Martin’s family paid tribute to him, thanking those who had supported them throughout the investigation and trial.
They said: “We would like to give heartfelt gratitude, appreciation and thanks to everyone who has provided support after the tragic and cruel circumstances surrounding Martin’s death.
“We would like to thank the first responders and those who stayed with Martin, providing first aid, the hospital staff who gave empathy to the family and the dignity to Martin in his final hours, all of the police and CPS who ensured quick arrests, transparency throughout the investigation, providing and gathering the evidence and getting the case to trial.
“Their efficiency and support have been unwavering – thank you.”
The family also thanked their barristers, as well as Martin’s family, friends and work colleagues for their support.
They added: “Nothing will bring Martin back, but his memory will always live on.
“We will continue to remember Martin as the guy who laughed, enjoyed adventure, loved everyone and gave his heart and soul – living life to the full.
“The guy who was compassionate, caring and giving.
“We will miss him more than words can say…. We are broken hearted.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Marie Walsh, of CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said Martin was a “much-loved Army veteran who had dedicated his life to helping others”.
She said: “He was viciously assaulted by a group of people who chose violence when they could have walked away.
“Witnesses described the appalling way he was repeatedly assaulted by the group, even after he had already been knocked to the ground and was unable to defend himself.
“The defendants tried to distance themselves from the consequences of their actions, but we were able to prove how they played a part in his devastating death.
“Our thoughts remain with Martin’s family and loved ones. I hope these convictions can provide them with some measure of justice.”
READ MORE: Criminal who did up home with stolen NHS millions shows off Porsche
