Brutal Gosport Stabbing Ends Young Man’s Life
Police were called to Keyes Road, Bridgemary at 2.32am on Friday 24 November 2023 after 22-year-old Levi was viciously attacked by his half-brothers, Tommy and Aiden West. Tommy stabbed Levi six times. Sadly, Levi later died from his injuries.
Eight Charged in Connection with Murder and Cover-Up
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime team launched a full investigation. Eight people face charges over the attack and subsequent cover-up:
- Tommy West, 18, Gosport: Charged with murder, robbery, and possession of a bladed article.
- Aiden West, 25, Gosport: Charged with murder, robbery, and possession of a bladed article.
- Sarah Flynn, 36, Gosport: Charged with assisting an offender.
- Joanne West, 45, no fixed abode: Charged with two counts of assisting an offender.
- Peter West, 43, Southampton: Charged with two counts of assisting an offender.
- Liam Savage, 38, Gosport: Charged with two counts of assisting an offender.
- Mark Phillips, 56, Gosport: Charged with perverting the course of justice.
- Michael Figgins, 64, Gosport: Charged with two counts of assisting an offender.
Tommy West, Sarah Flynn, Liam Savage, Mark Phillips, and Joanne West have all pleaded guilty. Aiden West admitted robbery but denied murder and possession of a knife. Peter West and Michael Figgins pleaded not guilty and faced trial alongside Aiden West at Portsmouth Crown Court in June 2024.
How the Terrifying Attack Unfolded
The court heard that on 23 November 2023, Tommy and Aiden West took a taxi, paid for by Michael Figgins, to James Close in Gosport. Tommy contacted Levi early on 24 November to set up a drug deal. The brothers planned to rob Levi and steal his drugs.
Armed with knives, they met Levi on Keyes Road. Tommy entered Levi’s car and stabbed him multiple times, including a fatal chest wound. Levi sped off but crashed into a wall. He got out and ran, chased by Tommy and Aiden. Tommy stabbed Levi several more times while Aiden kicked him and searched his pockets. The knife was discarded on a nearby medical centre roof.
Back at James Close, the brothers changed clothes. Sarah Flynn disposed of Tommy’s bloodied clothes. Their mother, Joanne West, then paid for a taxi to take the brothers to Liam Savage’s home. The pair were seen laughing during the ride.
Later, Peter West and Michael Figgins drove Tommy around to dispose of evidence before Peter took Tommy to a police station to surrender at 5pm the same day. Aiden was arrested the next morning.
Justice for Levi and Warning to Knife Crime Enablers
On 16 August, Portsmouth Crown Court found Aiden West guilty of murder but not guilty of carrying a blade. Peter West and Michael Figgins were convicted of assisting Tommy West. Sentencing for all eight accused is set for 15 and 16 October 2024.
“This is a tragic example of the irreversible pain caused by those who carry knives,” said Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly. “Levi was viciously set upon by Aiden and Tommy West, who planned the attack and had no hesitation carrying knives. Their family and friends aided them to evade capture and destroy evidence. They too face justice.”
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg added: “Levi’s murder shocked Gosport. Knife crime destroys lives and scars communities. We are determined to remove knives from our streets and prosecute offenders. Tackling drug-related violence is a top priority. Police can’t do it alone – we need the community to report knife crime and help protect our young people.”
Levi’s death is a brutal reminder: carrying knives means violence and pain for everyone involved. The police vow to hunt down those who threaten safety with weapons – and bring them to justice.
