Tragic Writtle Pub Attack: Teen Stabbed to Death in Revenge Rampage
Liam Taylor, 19, and a friend were out for a drink at The Rose and Crown pub in Writtle on 31 January last year when tragedy struck. The pair were in the smoking area at the back of the pub with friends when a stolen black Subaru screeched up. A gang of men jumped out and launched a brutal, targeted attack with weapons. They then sped off, leaving Liam and his friend bleeding badly.
Brutal Stabbing Claims Liam’s Life
Despite managing to stagger inside to the bar, Liam sadly died at the scene from multiple stab wounds. His friend was rushed to hospital with a serious leg wound that needed surgery. The getaway car, stolen from Hainault, was later found torched in Bicknacre.
Two Men Found Guilty in Court
Ryan Filby, 21, of Chelmsford, and Daniel Daden, 19, of Witham, were convicted on 5 May at Chelmsford Crown Court for Liam’s murder and wounding his friend with intent. The court heard the attack was revenge for an earlier assault on Filby involving a pole outside his home — an incident Liam and his mate were not part of. Both men denied the charges but were found guilty after the March trial. A third suspect, Connor Smith, 19, was cleared of all charges.
Sentencing for Filby and Daden is due in June, with the date yet to be set.
Family Mourns Lost Son and Best Friend
“The most heart-breaking thing for me is Liam and his mum Michelle were so close. He always told her ‘as long as we have each other we will always be okay.’ How can she now ever be okay again?” said Liam’s nan, Julie Taylor.
“Liam wasn’t just a son, he was his mother’s soul mate and best friend, a protective big brother to Lewis and Lilly. He was loving, kind, and carried an infectious smile everywhere he went.”
“We had planned to celebrate his 21st birthday with a family trip to Tunisia this year. Now we are haunted by the trauma and birthdays we will never share. There will never be justification for carrying weapons — it only ends in tragedy.”
“We loved him in life, and we love him still. He will never be forgotten. We love you, our beautiful angel.”
Police Urge Community to Help Tackle Violent Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings said: “Liam and his friend stood no chance against a violent attack driven by revenge for something they weren’t involved in. Liam’s death was completely needless. My thoughts remain with his family.”
“This case shows the terrible consequences of young people carrying weapons and drifting into crime. We urge anyone involved or with information about weapons on the street to come forward. Together, we can stop this violence.”
