Four thugs have been convicted of killing a young man, stabbing him to death while he was on a night out with friends in Solihull town centre.

Jack Donoghue was stabbed after being confronted by a violent gang who had earlier attacked passers-by in the street outside Popworld nightclub after they were refused entry.

Jack, 21, was taken to hospital but died of catastrophic blood loss less than four hours after the attack.

The night of violence on 30 November unfolded as members of the 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 in the face by two of the gang who demanded his watch and phone.

Victim Jack Donoghue was stabbed to death after being attacked by four violent thugs in Solihull WMP
Victim Jack Donoghue was stabbed to death after being attacked by four violent thugs in Solihull

Then, at around 3am, Jack left Popworld 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.

Despite being outnumbered, Jack was able defend the punches and protect himself from serious harm.

But one of the men 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. Jack was taken to hospital but, sadly, died within hours.

Now, Tyrall Blake, who inflicted the deadly blow, has been found guilty of murder, as well as assault with intent to rob. Blake, 21, of no fixed address, also admitted violent disorder.

Tyrall Blake, who inflicted the deadly blow, was found guilty of murdering Jack DonoghueWMP
Tyrall Blake, who inflicted the deadly blow, was found guilty of murdering Jack Donoghue

Nile Bennett, 23, of Court Lane, Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder.

Their convictions can now be reported after Connor Moore, aged 20, from Weston Road, Lichfield, today admitted manslaughter and violent disorder, while Regan Watters, aged 21, admitted manslaughter, assault with intent to rob and violent disorder.

All will be sentenced on Monday (7 December).

Connor Moore, aged 20, from Weston Road, Lichfield, admitted manslaughter and violent disorderWMP
Connor Moore, aged 20, from Weston Road, Lichfield, admitted manslaughter and violent disorder

DI 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.

“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.

Nile Bennett, 23, of Court Lane, Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorderWMP
Nile Bennett, 23, of Court Lane, Erdington, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder

“We had an absolutely fantastic response to our appeals for information from people living in Solihull in the aftermath of this tragedy, and it’s meant we’ve been able to secure the convictions that we have today.

“The witnesses bravely attended court for the trial and were ready to provide evidence twice in light of the restrictions that the COVID pandemic placed upon holding trials.

Regan Watters, aged 21, admitted manslaughter, assault with intent to rob and violent disorderWMP
Regan Watters, aged 21, admitted manslaughter, assault with intent to rob and violent disorder

“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.”

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