Martin Wilson Found Guilty of Stabbing Stephen Riley to Death
Martin Wilson, 38, has been found guilty of murdering Stephen Riley in Athersley on 26 June. The chilling attack unfolded on Darley Avenue, where Stephen desperately banged on a resident’s window, screaming for help after being stabbed.
Victim Found Critically Injured, Dies at Hospital
Police and paramedics arrived to find Stephen, 43, slumped over a garden wall, unconscious and not breathing. He had two stab wounds. Despite rushed efforts to save him, Stephen died at barnsley/" title="Barnsley" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Barnsley Hospital just after midnight on 27 June.
Heated Argument Caught on CCTV Before Deadly Attack
The court heard how Stephen visited Wilson at his home on Monsal Crescent shortly before 11pm, sparking a fierce row heard by neighbours. CCTV showed Wilson going inside his property then storming out on his bike, following Stephen on foot.
Detective Chief Inspector Jude Ashmore said: “Wilson’s story was full of lies. He tried to cover his tracks and claimed ignorance, but the jury saw through it.”
“Wilson caught up with Stephen after he left, and they fought. He insisted he didn’t realise he’d stabbed Stephen until reading about it on Facebook the next day – but the wounds were too severe for that to be true.”
Wilson and Girlfriend Tried to Destroy Evidence
Phone records revealed Wilson called his girlfriend Julie Evans after the attack. She met him nearby and they dumped the murder weapon together. Wilson then hid his bike the next day. Both were arrested on 28 June – Wilson for murder and Evans for assisting an offender.
DCI Ashmore praised her team: “By using witness statements and CCTV, we quickly disproved their false claims. I hope Stephen’s family can find some closure with today’s verdict.”
Jury Delivers Verdict, Sentencing Set
After five hours and one minute of deliberation, the jury found Wilson guilty of murder. He is set to be sentenced on 17 December. Evans pleaded guilty on 8 December and will be sentenced on 21 December.
