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Derek Davis |
‘Fit of temper’ led to father being stabbed to death
A JURY has found a man guilty of manslaughter after he stabbed one of his near neighbours in a “fit of temper".
Derek Davis, 41, of Levita House, Chalton Street, was convicted at Croydon Crown Court on Friday of killing father-of-two Martin Wilder, 33, in Chalton Street, Somers Town, last August.
He will be sentenced next month.
Tempers rose when Mr Davis had thrown a dog lead at Mr Wilder, who then refused to give it back. Mr Davis later returned with two kitchen knives tucked into the back of his trousers, the court heard.
The court heard that Mr Davis threatened Mr Wilder, but Mr Davis alleged that the victim had fallen onto the blade. Minutes later Mr Wilder was dying on the pavement from a wound to the abdomen.
The jury rejected a charge of murder but recorded a majority verdict on manslaughter.
Detective Inspector Zoe Harris said afterwards: “In a fit of temper, over what was a relatively minor incident, Davis chose to arm himself with two knives, resulting in the death of Martin Wilder.
“This is tragic for all involved, [and] because of the involvement of knives, Martin is dead and Davis is looking at a long prison sentence.”
She added: “My thoughts are with Martin’s family, friends and local community affected by this tragic and unnecessary death.”
At the time of Mr Wilder’s death a makeshift shrine was set up by friends.
Josie, who didn’t want to give her full name, said the men knew each other but were not close.
She described Mr Wilder as a “lovable puppy,” who adored animals. |
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