Two Nottingham men have been sentenced today for the murder of 22-year-old Davices Anderson, who was fatally stabbed at a flat in the city center. The sentencing follows a seven-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court, during which a jury deliberated for three days before returning guilty verdicts on Courtney McLeary and David Francis, who were found responsible for Anderson’s death at an address off Huntingdon Street.
McLeary, 54, of High Cross Leys, was unanimously found guilty, while 61-year-old Francis, of Swale Grove, Bingham, was found guilty by a majority of 10 to two. Additionally, co-defendants Danny O’Keefe of Keswick Court, Sneinton, and Gregory Bailey of Comyn Gardens, St Ann’s, both aged 50, were found guilty of assisting an offender in relation to Anderson’s death.
Lisa Barlow, 45, of High Cross Leys, had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of assisting an offender before the trial commenced.
During the trial’s first day on February 28, distressing footage was presented to the jury showing Anderson pleading for help as he collapsed in the entrance to the block of flats after being fatally stabbed. Andrew Vout KC, the prosecutor, outlined the events, stating that Anderson sustained multiple stab wounds, including one to the chest that pierced his heart, during an attack by McLeary and Francis.
In the sentencing today, Judge Nirmal Shant KC addressed McLeary and Francis directly, emphasizing the severity of their actions. McLeary received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years, while Francis was sentenced to life with a minimum of 16-and-a-half years before parole eligibility. Judge Shant acknowledged Francis’ lesser role in the attack but highlighted his participation in the aftermath.
Barlow was sentenced to two years for her involvement, with Judge Shant noting her presence at the scene and knowledge of the killing. O’Keefe and Bailey each received two-year sentences for their roles in assisting an offender.
In mitigation for Barlow, Lucky Thandi emphasized her early guilty plea and expressed genuine remorse for her actions. Similarly, Steve Gosnell, representing O’Keefe, acknowledged his client’s involvement in housing McLeary but highlighted his remorse and cooperation with authorities.
Benn Robinson, representing Bailey, emphasized his client’s limited involvement, citing his history of drug addiction as a contributing factor.
During the sentencing hearing, details about the victim, Davices Anderson, were also revealed. Anderson, who had a four-year-old daughter, was described by his family as a kind and loving individual. His tragic death has left a profound void in their lives, as expressed in emotional victim impact statements read in court.
The sentencing marks the culmination of a lengthy legal process that has brought some closure to Anderson’s loved ones while underscoring the devastating consequences of violence in communities.
The courtroom was filled with supporters of both the defendants and Anderson’s family and friends as the case reached its conclusion.
