In a tragic incident that occurred earlier this year, a 15-year-old boy has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing 18-year-old Ben Moncrieff in Bath city centre. The incident took place at approximately 03.30 on Saturday, May 6, on Southgate Street.
Ben Moncrieff, who was stabbed once in the chest, succumbed to his injuries despite the efforts of those present at the scene and medical professionals. His mother, Sharon Hendry, expressed her devastation over the loss of her son and described him as a beloved individual who was cherished by all who knew him.
According to reports, Ben had been out with friends in Bath prior to the incident. As they made their way towards a McDonald’s on Southgate Street after leaving a club, they encountered a group of males, including the defendant, who were in possession of balloons and suspected nitrous oxide gas cannisters. The group had arrived in a car shortly before the encounter.
CCTV footage revealed a verbal altercation between the defendant and one of Ben’s friends. Witnesses stated that Ben intervened to protect his friend when the defendant challenged him to “come around the corner.” The footage further depicted the defendant stepping back and dropping a gas canister as Ben approached. It was at this moment that the defendant pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed Ben.
After fleeing the scene, the defendant discarded the weapon in a nearby bin. Law enforcement apprehended him shortly afterward, and he remained silent during police interviews. A thorough murder investigation was launched, during which detectives meticulously reviewed hours of footage.
During the trial, the defendant claimed that he had taken the knife from another boy earlier in the day to protect themselves. However, the prosecution presented social media videos showing the defendant playing with a similar knife recorded during the same week. The defendant argued that it was a different knife, albeit identical in appearance.
The now 16-year-old defendant, whose name is withheld due to being a juvenile, was convicted of murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court following a six-day trial. He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6.
Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, the Senior Investigating Officer, expressed condolences to Ben’s family and emphasised the support they continue to receive during their grieving process. He highlighted that Ben’s tragic death was a consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, as he was entirely blameless and did not know the defendant. DI Newbury further stated that the defendant seemed to glorify knife crime through social media videos before Ben’s death, showcasing his possession of a knife shortly before the attack.
DI Newbury reassured the public that significant efforts are being made to combat knife crime in Bath. These efforts include high-visibility patrols and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the risks associated with carrying bladed weapons. He urged anyone with information about individuals carrying knives to contact the police or appropriate professionals, such as teachers or youth workers. By working together, the goal is to prevent further families from enduring the pain and suffering that Ben’s loved ones have experienced.
