Cheshire Police - Two found guilty of manslaughter in Chester City walls death.

Two Chester men have today been convicted of manslaughter following the death of a young man from North Wales in June this year.

Christopher Garwell, 23, from Connahs Quay, died just days after sustaining a serious head injury following a fight with a group of men on the City Walls in Chester on 3rd June 2010.

Today, a jury found Keiran Cunnah, 18, and a Jordan Andrews,17 guilty of the manslaughter of Christopher.

Four people from Chester originally stood accused in relation to Garwell's death in a trial that began at Chester Crown Court on 16th November. Part way through the trial two of the accused, a 17-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man, were found to have no case to answer. The 17 year old subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of affray.

The Court heard that Garwell and a friend from North Wales had spent the 3rd June drinking in and around Chester City centre and became acquainted with the four defendants in the case. A fight broke out in the Charlotte Court area of Chester later that day. Evidence provided by several key witnesses confirmed that the fracas had originated from a dispute over drugs. The dispute continued later that evening on the City Walls and shortly before 7.30 p.m. that night a member of the public found Christopher slumped and unconscious near to King George Tower. He never regained consciousness and died six days later.

In the days that followed the attack, detectives pieced together the movements of Christopher Garwell, and those in company with him when he was attacked. Officers analysed CCTV, mobile phone data, and identified key witnesses who would ultimately help provide key evidence to the trial.

Detective Inspector Chris Warren, leading the investigation said;

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Christopher Garwell and we offer them our sincere condolences for their tragic loss. This case demonstrates the devastating consequences that excessive drinking -- and indeed drug misuse -- can bring. Christopher was the victim of a brutal assault when he was at his most vulnerable -- in an unfamiliar city, under the influence of alcohol and drugs. I would also like to thank those members of the public and local community who came forward and gave vital evidence to ensure that those responsible have been brought to justice."

The family of Christopher Garwell, who have been at court throughout the murder trial, said, "Christopher will be sadly missed by all his close family, and particularly his two year old daughter, Millie, as well as by all his friends."

Inspector Ian Thorp of Chester Neighbourhood Policing Team said "We hope that today's conviction sends out a strong message to those who drink excessively and set out to cause trouble in our city. Violent behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly, by policing the streets to make the city safer for all. We have achieved great success in recent months by reducing anti social behaviour and drink related violence in Chester. We ask that people visiting the city, particularly over the festive period, behave and drink responsibly and have regard for their own safety and conduct"

Sentencing for Andrews and Cunnah has been adjourned to 21st December at Chester Crown Court. Sentencing will also take place at the same time for the 17-year-old boy who pleaded guilty to Affray, and for Leanne Dry, 30 years of age, who previously pleaded guilty to Perverting the Course of Justice.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• cheshire police
• chester