Two Men Locked Up for Deadly Stabbing of Nottingham Man
Two Nottingham men have been handed life sentences for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Davices Anderson, who was fatally stabbed in a city centre flat. After a tense seven-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court, the jury took three days before finding Courtney McLeary and David Francis guilty of the deadly attack at an address near Huntingdon Street.
Life Behind Bars for Deadly Duo
- Courtney McLeary, 54, of High Cross Leys, was unanimously convicted and sentenced to life with a minimum of 19 years behind bars.
- David Francis, 61, from Swale Grove, Bingham, was found guilty by a majority of 10-2 and sentenced to life with a minimum of 16-and-a-half years before parole.
Co-defendants Danny O’Keefe, 50, of Keswick Court, Sneinton, and Gregory Bailey, 50, of Comyn Gardens, St Ann’s, were also convicted of assisting offenders and received two-year sentences each. Lisa Barlow, 45, of High Cross Leys, had earlier pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and was sentenced to two years.
Chilling Footage and Heartbreaking Impact
On the first day of the trial on February 28, grim CCTV showed Anderson pleading for help as he collapsed outside the flats after the attack. Prosecutor Andrew Vout KC revealed Anderson suffered multiple stab wounds, including one that pierced his heart during the assault by McLeary and Francis.
Sentencing Judge Nirmal Shant KC condemned the violence, highlighting Francis’ lesser role but acknowledging his part in the aftermath. Sentences reflected the severity of the crime but recognised cooperation and remorse from some defendants.
Remembering Victim Davices Anderson
The court heard emotional statements from Anderson’s family, who described him as a loving father to his four-year-old daughter and a kind-hearted soul. His loss has left a “profound void” in their lives and a stark warning of violence’s devastating ripple effects on communities.
The courtroom was packed with supporters of both sides as justice was finally served, closing a painful chapter for Anderson’s loved ones.
