Mother’s knife plea as teen convicted for her son’s murder
DONCASTER YOUNGSTER STABBED TWO IN TOWN CENTRE
A TEENAGER has been found guilty of murdering a man and a teenager in Doncaster town centre in January this year, South Yorkshire Police said last Thursday (21).
Amrit Jhagra, 19, killed Janis Kozlovskis, 17, and Ryan Theobald, 20, in Silver Street on January 29, police said. CCTV footage revealed Jhagra chasing the men and stabbing them with a knife outside a bar.
Theobald was killed at the scene in the early hours of January 29, while Kozlovskis died in hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed that Theobald’s death was due to a single stab wound, and Kozlovskis died from multiple stab wounds.
Jhagra had fled to a nearby hotel following the incident, before travelling via taxi to a friend’s house and going on the run, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley said.
He later handed himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of the murders in February.
Jhagra was also arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. He was charged with all three offences on February 3.
According to reports, Kozlovskis and Theobald had left CoCo nightclub in the town with friends. The former then became involved in a fight with a friend of Jhagra, which Theobald also got caught up in. Later they were stabbed by Jhagra.
Townley said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the families and friends of both Ryan and Janis as these proceedings will undoubtedly have been both difficult and distressing for them.
“Throughout this trial, the defendant has claimed that he acted in self-defence of his friend. However, Jhagra went out that evening in possession of a knife and he went on to use it to stab not just one but two people.
“This case lies bare the heartbreaking implications of knife crime. I am pleased that the jury saw through Jhagra’s lies and that he will now face a lengthy time behind bars.”
Kozlovskis’ sister, Russanda Kozlovskis, said: “As a family, we would like to thank the jury for their guilty verdict. However, Janis is still gone forever. He will never fulfil his hopes and dreams and we as a family will never see the man he would have become.”
Theobald’s mother, Lisa Theobald, said: “Ryan had told me he was scared of knives. He had known locally others who had been victims of knife crime. I would implore those who carry knives or blades, for whatever reason, please don’t. You are someone’s son, brother, loved one, friend.”
Jhagra claimed he was acting in self-defence. However, it was rejected by the court. He was convicted following a 10-day trial at Sheffield crown court and will be sentenced on August 18.