The identities of three teenagers convicted for the murder of 18-year-old Jack Woodley, who was fatally stabbed in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear in October 2021, can now be revealed for the first time. The trio, Clayton Owen (19), Grant Wheatley (18), and Sonny Smith (18), were found guilty of murder alongside seven other individuals, all aged between 14 and 17 at the time of the crime. The defendants, now over the age of 18, were sentenced to a total of more than 120 years in prison following their trial last year. However, they are currently appealing the conviction.
During the trial, it was established that one of the boys had wielded the knife, while the other nine were convicted under the principle of joint enterprise, as they were found to have encouraged or assisted in the offence.
The remaining seven teenagers involved, including the individual who stabbed Jack Woodley when he was 15 years old, cannot be identified due to legal restrictions.
The court heard that the group acted as a gang, targeting Woodley and launching the attack outside the Houghton Feast fair as he made his way home.
The appeal, held in London, saw lawyers representing the youths argue that a two-week break and comments made by the judge had adversely affected the case. They claimed that the judge had acted “unfairly” towards them, with one lawyer stating that the judge’s comments during the summing up of evidence suggested a lack of belief in their clients’ claims of acting in defence of a friend.
The defence lawyers accused the judge of bias and asserted that their clients had not received a fair trial. However, the prosecution maintained that the judge’s approach had been fair and appropriate.
The appeal court judges will now consider whether all ten convictions should stand, with a ruling expected in the coming months.
Speaking ahead of the appeal hearing, Zoe McGill, Jack Woodley’s mother, expressed her nervousness and stated her hope for closure so that the family can finally lay Jack to rest and grieve in peace.
