Knife Killer’s Sentence Increased After Double Murder in Doncaster
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Amrit Jhagra’s life sentence was too lenient. The 19-year-old’s minimum term has been extended from 24 to 26 years after he fatally stabbed Janis Kozlovskis and Ryan Theobald in Doncaster town centre.
Brutal Stabbing Outside Doncaster Bar
The murders happened just after 2.30am on January 29 on Silver Street. A fight broke out outside a licensed venue involving Janis and one of Jhagra’s friends. CCTV shows Jhagra then targeted Ryan Theobald, stabbing him violently and leaving him to die in the street.
As Janis tried to escape, Jhagra chased him down, pinned him to the ground, and stabbed him multiple times before running off.
Police Welcome Tougher Sentence
“We welcome the Court of Appeal decision to extend Amrit Jhagra’s minimum sentence,” said Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, who led the probe. “This case shows the heart-breaking impact of knife crime on young victims and their families.”
He added, “While nothing can bring Ryan and Janis back, this decision offers some closure for their families after a devastating year. This Christmas will be their first without them, and the pain is unimaginable. We will keep fighting to stop knife crime before more lives are lost.”
Quick Justice After Shocking Trial
Jhagra, formerly of Cedar Road, was found guilty on July 21 after a 10-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court. The jury took just four hours to convict him of double murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Initially sentenced in October to life with 24 years minimum, the case was referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. Today, the Court of Appeal upped the minimum to 26 years, ensuring Jhagra faces an even longer stretch behind bars.
South Yorkshire Police had released CCTV footage last October to highlight how quickly violence can spiral out of control, shocking the local community and reminding all of the deadly consequences of carrying knives.
