Life Behind Bars for Killer Who Stabbed Ricky Collin to Death
Bradley Ward was today jailed for life after being found guilty of murdering Ricky Collin. The verdict came following a tense three-week trial at Derby Crown Court.
Deadly Attack on Westthorpe Road
Officers responded to reports of an assault on Westthorpe Road late on Monday, 29 March. Ricky, 31, from sheffield/" title="Sheffield" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Sheffield, had two serious stab wounds—one severing an artery. Despite staggering down the street and collapsing, he died shortly after midnight on Tuesday 30 March.
During the trial, it emerged that 24-year-old Ward had pulled up beside Ricky’s van, got out, and stabbed him. Ward denied murder, claiming self-defence.
Killer Sentenced to Minimum 23 Years
Today, Ward was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years. Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklok, who led the probe, said:
“No sentence will bring Ricky back, but I hope his family and friends can find some comfort knowing the man responsible has been brought to justice and will be behind bars for years.”
Family and Accomplice Also Face Jail Time
- Martin Mongan, 45, from West Yorkshire
- David Ward, 44, Bradley’s father from Sheffield
- Kelly Ward, 43, also from Sheffield
All three pleaded guilty to helping an offender. Martin Mongan and David Ward received two-year jail terms. Kelly Ward will be sentenced in a separate hearing.
