Tyler Hunt, 18, and a 15-year-old boy, whose identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons, were found guilty by a unanimous jury decision in November. Today, they were sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court.
The tragic incident occurred on December 4, 2022, when 18-year-old Owen was fatally stabbed in Mazurek Way, Swindon. Owen, who was on his way to visit his girlfriend, was found to be in possession of a weapon, which was later discovered by paramedics.
During the trial, the court was presented with compelling evidence, including CCTV, doorbell, and dash cam footage. The footage showed Hunt, who was 17 at the time, and the 15-year-old, then 14, travelling on e-bikes to the location of the attack.
In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, Owen’s family expressed their profound loss and the impact it has had on their lives. They described Owen as a beloved figure in the Penhill community, cherished by his close-knit group of friends. Owen’s family and friends have since formed the charity ‘Owen’s World’ to raise awareness about knife crime and provide support to others affected by similar tragedies.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of the Major Crime Investigation Team acknowledged the shocking nature of the case and the challenges it presented. He expressed gratitude to the young witnesses who showed bravery in engaging with the investigation. Walker emphasised the dangers associated with young people carrying knives and stressed the need for intervention before such weapons are used, as they can lead to devastating consequences.
The convictions in this case were made possible through the support and cooperation of the public. Hundreds of hours of CCTV, doorbell, and dashcam footage were submitted to the police following media appeals, highlighting the crucial role that community involvement plays in criminal investigations.
Detective Sergeant Lou Kuklinski emphasised the importance of the public’s willingness to provide information and evidence in cases like these. Kuklinski urged individuals to come forward with any relevant material that could assist in obtaining justice for victims and their families. He also stressed the need for open dialogue and support systems for young people who feel compelled to carry knives, urging them to seek help before resorting to such measures.
Carrying a knife or weapon not only increases the risk of harm to oneself but also poses a threat to others. It is illegal to carry knives and other weapons, and statistics demonstrate the potential for self-inflicted injury when weapons are involved.
Superintendent Guy Elkins, hub commander for Swindon, acknowledged the distress and concern caused by Owen’s tragic murder within the community. He emphasized the importance of educating young people about the dangers of carrying knives and the unacceptability of such behaviour. Elkins assured the public that efforts were being made to address the issue, including educational sessions and knife surrender bins, in partnership with other agencies.
