Teen Jailed for Stabbing Another Teen to Death in Bournemouth
An 18-year-old has been locked up for nine years after fatally stabbing a fellow 18-year-old during a fight in Bournemouth town centre.
Thomas Betteridge Guilty of Manslaughter and Knife Possession
Thomas Betteridge, from Southsea, Hampshire, was found guilty of manslaughter and possessing a bladed article following a 21-day trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. Betteridge claimed self-defence but was cleared of murder, convicted instead of manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of Cameron Hamilton.
Lennie Hansen, also 18 and from Waterlooville, was found guilty of carrying the 12.5cm knife used by Betteridge. Hansen’s sentencing is due next month.
Deadly Fight in The Square, Bournemouth
The deadly brawl broke out around 1:25 am on August 5, 2023, in The Square, a popular Dorset seaside hotspot. Cameron Hamilton suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest despite police and paramedics arriving within minutes.
A Dorset Police spokesperson said, “Despite the efforts of officers—who were on the scene within seconds—and paramedics, Cameron was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
Witnesses reported Betteridge boasting to Hansen about the stabbing, underlining the brutal nature of the attack.
Judge Slams ‘Unnecessary’ Knife Use, Family Mourns Lost Son
Sentencing Betteridge, Judge Mousley KC condemned the use of the knife as “wholly unnecessary in the face of the threat he felt.”
“Cameron Hamilton was a much-loved family member with a large circle of friends. He was popular and had his whole adult life ahead of him,” the judge added.
In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, Cameron’s mother, Sarah Robinson, spoke of the unending pain of losing her son and the devastation caused to their family.
Following the verdict, the Hamilton family paid tribute to Cam’s remarkable character and the tragic loss they continue to endure.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third warned of the deadly risks of carrying knives. “This tragedy shows the devastating consequences that come with weapons on our streets,” he said.
