Final moments of man, 21, stabbed to death by thugs high on laughing gas
Jack Donoghue was knifed in the stomach after being confronted by four thugs ‘out looking for trouble’ in Solihull town centre last November.
The family of a 21-year-old man stabbed to death during an ‘appalling, senseless attack’ during a night out have released ‘painful’ footage of his final moments as a warning about the impact of knife crime.
Jack Donoghue was stabbed once in the stomach after being confronted by four thugs ‘out looking for trouble’ near Popworld in Solihull town centre last November.
The shocking video shows Mr Donoghue trying to fight off the gang before he is stabbed and his attackers flee. It also shows him walking after them despite being fatally wounded.
On Monday, Tyrall Blake, 21, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for his murder.
Accomplices Nile Bennett, 23, Connor Moore, 20 and 21-year-old Regan Watters were convicted of manslaughter and jailed for a combined 28 years.
Speaking about the release of the video, Mr Donoghue’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.’
CCTV footage captured the thugs inhaling laughing gas and targeting other victims as they left night spots in the area on November 30.
One reveller was hit and kicked in the face by the group, who demanded his watch and phone.
They targeted Mr Donoghue at around 3am, punching him as he tried to defend himself.
Witnesses described Mr Donoghue’s bravery as he initially tried to diffuse the situation.
He managed to protect himself from any serious harm until Blake pulled out a knife.
The footage then shows his attempts to pursue his assailants, before members of the public try to give him first aid.
He suffered significant blood loss and died in hospital three hours later.
As well as murder, Blake, of no fixed address, was convicted of violent disorder, assault with intent to rob and possession of a knife.
Bennett, of Erdington, was jailed for nine-and-a-half years after being cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter and violent disorder in connection with the incident.
Moore, from Lichfield, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after admitting manslaughter and violent disorder, and Watters, from Birmingham, was jailed for 11 years having admitted manslaughter, assault with intent to rob and violent disorder.
Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, who led the investigation, condemned the defendants for the ‘appalling, senseless attack on an innocent young man’.
He added: ‘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.’
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