Sunderland man convicted of manslaughter for fatally stabbing teenager
Louis Hackett, 20, was cleared of murder following a three-week trial
A Sunderland man has been convicted of manslaughter after fatally stabbing a teenager on April 18 last year.
Kieran Williams, 18, was reported as missing to police after he failed to return to his Esplanade West home.
A missing person investigation was launched, and when he continued to remain unaccounted for an appeal was issued to the public in a bid to help locate him.
Extensive CCTV and house-to-house enquiries were carried out, leading officers to later arrest Ben Cook and Louis Hackett in connection with his disappearance.
After continued appeals and efforts to locate him, Kieran’s body was sadly found in a grave on a disused industrial estate South of the River Wear, where he had suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed.
Forensic enquiries at the scene revealed fingerprints, and soon led detectives back to Cook and Hackett who were arrested and later charged with Kieran’s murder.
And while Hackett, now 20, persistently denied the charges, he has today (Thursday) been cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter following a three-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court.
Hackett was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.
Ben Cook, 19, of Sunderland, was cleared of murder following the trial.
Speaking after the hearing, the case’s senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, said:
“My thoughts continue to be with Kieran’s family and loved ones following his tragic death.
“At this time, I would also like to thank them for their support and the composure which they have shown through the investigation and through the trial.
“This was as a shocking attack where Hackett was found responsible for fatally stabbing Kieran.
“I want to thank the team of officers and staff who have worked tirelessly on this case to ensure Hackett was put before the courts for his horrific and cowardly actions.
“At Northumbria Police, we are committed to working with partners to tackle knife crime and the cause of knife crime.
“Our message is clear – there are no winners where knife crime or serious violence is concerned – and we will continue to take robust action against those found to be involved.”
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