FOUR men have been jailed for killing a young man who was fatally stabbed while on a night out with friends.
Jack Donoghue was out in Solihull town centre when he was set upon by the men and stabbed on November 30, 2019.
The night of violence unfolded as members of a four-strong gang were seen on CCTV targeting victims as they were leaving night spots to travel home.
One reveller was hit and kicked in the face by two members of the gang, who demanded his watch and phone.
Then, at around 3am, Jack left the Popworld nightclub and became the gang’s next target as they began to throw punches at him.
Jack attempted to diffuse the situation, but it escalated into the four men attacking him. Witnesses described the bravery and valour that Jack showed in defending himself from the gang, as, despite being outnumbered, he was able defend the punches and protect himself from serious harm.
But one of the men, Tyrall Blake then pulled out a knife and stabbed Jack once, close to the stomach area.
The gang fled down an alleyway, while Jack, fatally wounded, managed to get to a bench.
Members of the public and security staff attempted first aid and Jack was taken to hospital but sadly died within hours.
JAILED: L-R Connor Moore, Nile Benett, Tyrall Blake, Regan Watters (PIC: West Midlands Police)CCTV footage released this week by Jack’s family - who hope it will act as a warning to others about the consequences of knife crime - shows the 21-year-old trying to fight off the thugs and walking after them as they tried fleeing the scene.
But he had suffered a catastrophic internal injury from the knife wound and died in hospital three hours later having suffered significant blood loss. Speaking about the release of the video, Jack’s family 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.”
Now, just over a year since the devastating attack, 21-year-old Tyrall Blake, of no fixed address, has been found guilty of Jack’s murder, as well as assault with intent to rob and violent disorder.
He has been jailed for life and will serve at least 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.
Bennett, of Court Lane, Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder and has 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.
Tragic Jack Donoghue was attacked near a nightclub in SolihullDI 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.”
He added: “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.
“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."
