Teen Jailed for Fatal Stabbing of Bath Student Ben Moncrieff
A 15-year-old boy has been found guilty of murdering 18-year-old Ben Moncrieff in a shocking stabbing in Bath city centre. The fatal attack happened around 3.30am on May 6, on Southgate Street.
Tragic Night Ends in Murder
Ben Moncrieff was stabbed once in the chest and died despite efforts from onlookers and medical staff. His devastated mother, Sharon Hendry, described Ben as “beloved” and cherished by everyone who knew him.
Ben had been out enjoying the night with friends. After leaving a club, they were heading to McDonald’s when they crossed paths with a group of young men – including the defendant – who had balloons and suspected nitrous oxide canisters. CCTV shows tensions escalating quickly.
Fight Turns Deadly on Southgate Street
- The footage captured a verbal row between the defendant and one of Ben’s friends.
- Ben stepped in to defend his mate when challenged to “come around the corner.”
- The accused dropped a gas canister before pulling out a knife and stabbing Ben.
The killer fled, dumping the weapon in a nearby bin. Police caught him shortly after. He stayed silent during interviews.
Defendant’s Claims Crumble Under Evidence
In court, the teen claimed he grabbed the knife earlier to protect himself. But the prosecution showed social media videos of him brandishing a matching knife days before the attack. He insisted it was a different blade.
The juvenile defendant was convicted of murder after a six-day trial at Bristol Crown Court. He had already admitted possession of a bladed article in public. Sentencing is set for December 6.
Police Crack Down on Knife Crime
“Ben’s death was a tragic result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was completely blameless,”
said Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, who offered condolences to Ben’s family. DI Newbury revealed the defendant appeared to glorify knife crime on social media before the murder.
Police in Bath are stepping up patrols and launching awareness campaigns to tackle knife crime. DI Newbury urged anyone with info about knife carriers to come forward, helping prevent more families from experiencing such heartbreak.
