COUNTY NEWS: Two found guilty of killing father
Nicholas Bridge and Daniel Onofeghare were today found guilty by a jury at Hove Crown Court.
Bridge was found guilty of murdering Horsham man Anthony Williams by unanimous verdict.
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Hide AdOnofeghare was found guilty of manslaughter by majority vote.
The charges concerned the death of 37-year-old Anthony Williams in an altercation on September 19 last year.
He died from stab wounds at a flat in Burtons Court, in Park Way, Horsham.
A three week trial
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Hide AdThe jurors had been out since Tuesday afternoon, with the trial in its third week.
Bridge, 18, admitted during the trial that he caused the fatal blow but said he was trying to defend himself.
However prosecutor Philip Bennett QC argued that Anthony Williams died in a ‘revenge attack’.
After the jury had been out for just under three days, Judge Jeremy Gold QC told them earlier that he would accept a majority verdict in this case.
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Hide AdIn Crown Court trials in the UK, majority verdicts must have at least 10 of the 12 jurors in agreement.
This afternoon the jury returned their verdict.
They found Bridge guilty of murdering Mr Williams, with all jurors in agreement.
They also found Onofeghare guilty of manslaughter by majority verdict.
Following the convictions, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater thanked all those involved in the investigation.
‘Amazing father’
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Hide AdFollowing the conviction of Bridge and Onofeghare, Mr Williams’ family have spoken out about the impact his death has had on them.
After Mr Williams was killed last year, his family also spoke out.
The family said: “Tony was an amazing father, partner, son, brother and friend. He had a heart of gold and always put others before himself.
“He was supportive, kind and caring to all he met.
“He was inquisitive about life, he always talked about new places, new ideas and ways in which he could change the world for the better.
“He was full of laughter, always smiling and full of love.
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Hide Ad“He was popular and well-known among the local community and will be sadly missed by all of us.
“His memory will always live on in his children.”
Sentencing
Bridge and Onofeghare will appear for sentencing in due course.