Man convicted of murdering 21-year-old George Allison in Havant

Kevin Batchelor, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 18 years for 21-year-old George’s murder.

He denied killing George, who was found at an address on Tichborne Grove, Havant with a stab wound to his upper left shoulder shortly after 11pm on Saturday 23 May.

On arrival, officers found George, of Havant, and a 28-year-old woman from Southsea with serious stab wounds.

Despite best efforts, George was pronounced dead at the scene. The 28-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment and has since recovered from her injuries.

Batchelor was found not guilty of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the injuries sustained by the woman.

Two people have also been found guilty of assisting an offender in connection with this case. They are:

• Barry Martin Baker, 39, of Oracle Drive, Waterlooville.

• Hayley Jane Batchelor, 34, of Highwood Lawn, Havant.

They are due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2 July.

Lewis James Turner, 32, of Fore Street, Camelford, Cornwall has been found not guilty of assisting an offender.

The court heard how an altercation between George and the defendant broke out at shortly before 11pm, which resulted in Batchelor taking a kitchen knife from a metallic block and causing one fatal stab wound to George and wounding the 28-year-old woman when she attempted to intervene.

The jury were told how Batchelor then cycled to an address on Highwood Lawn, where he was assisted by Baker and Batchelor in disposing of the murder weapon and washing the clothing he had been wearing.

After the verdict, Detective Inspector Lee McClellan, Senior Investigating Officer for the case, said: “We are pleased with today’s verdict and would like to thank all those involved in this investigation, who have worked tirelessly alongside the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that the person responsible for George’s death was brought to justice.

“This was a tragic and senseless incident in which a young man has lost his life. The key message we hope people take away from this is that a single act and a split second decision can cause devastating lasting damage to numerous lives.

“If you find yourself getting involved in a confrontation or argument, stop, think about your actions and the potential consequences and walk away.

“Above all, our thoughts remain with George’s friends, family and all those that knew him today.”

Following the sentencing, George’s sister Jade said: “We as George’s family are pleased with the outcome of Mr Batchelor’s sentencing today.

“We would like to take a moment to thank Ms Maylin of the prosecution for her outstanding work and support throughout the trial, her sterling knowledge of the law and her compassion for us as a family.

“Today, we as a family can now begin to grieve the loss of our George. We thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time. George’s daughter Lola now has justice for her daddy.

“Lastly, we would like to thank the case officer and the police liaison officers who have been a credit to Hampshire Constabulary. We now ask that we have some privacy at this time.”

Detective Inspector Lee McClellan, Senior Investigating Officer for the case, said: “This was a tragic and senseless incident in which a young man has lost his life.

“I am pleased with the jury’s verdict and pleased that Batchelor will now spend a considerable length of time in prison for what he has done.

“Our thoughts remain with George’s friends, family and all those that knew him today.”