Five Convicted Over Brutal Milton Keynes Double Murder
Two men and two teens were found guilty of a savage double murder and grievous bodily harm at Luton Crown Court. A fifth man had already pleaded guilty before the trial kicked off on 2 November.
Deadly Birthday Bash Went Horribly Wrong
- Charlie Chandler, 22, and Clayton Barker, 20, both from Bletchley, were unanimously found guilty of two murders and two counts of GBH with intent.
- A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old boy from Milton Keynes—whose names remain protected—were also convicted on all counts.
- Earl Bevans, 23, without a fixed address, admitted all charges on day one.
The victims, Dom Ansah and Ben Gillham-Rice, both 17, were stabbed fatally at a birthday party in Emerson Valley on 19 October 2019. Two others, aged 25 and 18 (then 17), were seriously injured in a frenzied knife attack.
Police Describe ‘Callous, Pre-Meditated Attack’
“Ben and Dom were attending what should have been a celebration of a birthday. They could have had no idea they were to be targeted in such a horrific way that night.” — Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Bosley, Thames Valley Police
DCI Stuart Bosley said the attack was “utterly horrific,” causing unbearable grief for the families involved. The trial was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the anguish.
He praised the victims’ families for their dignity and witnesses for their bravery during the trial. “The offenders are all as culpable under joint enterprise,” he added.
Justice to Be Served in January Sentencing
All five will be sentenced on 6 January 2021 at Luton Crown Court. DCI Bosley said, “No sentence will ease the pain of losing Ben and Dom, but I hope their families find some solace that justice has been done.”
Thames Valley Police vowed to continue fighting knife crime through prevention and enforcement.
