Rochdale Nightclub Stabbing - Twelve Men Convicted

12/02/2013

Twelve men have been convicted at Manchester Crown Court for their role in a violent brawl at a Rochdale nightclub, which left one man with a fatal injury.

The men set upon John and Patrick Barrett at Sinclair's Bar and Nightclub in Rochdale in the early hours of Christmas Day, 2011. John Barrett died of a stab wound to his chest two days later in hospital.  

Fran Gough, Senior Crown Prosecutor from CPS North West Complex Casework Unit, said: 

"This was a ferocious and brutal attack. It unfolded at an event which was attended by those who had quite rightfully gone to the venue to have a pleasant and enjoyable evening. 

"Soon after the gang of defendants had forced their way past door staff at the premises, they unleashed a vicious mob attack on their victims. Within the space of just over three minutes, the gang left their victims with serious injuries. John Barrett received a stab wound to the chest and died in hospital a few days later. 

"The prosecution team worked tirelessly to assemble the case and bring these defendants to justice. We were also greatly assisted by the witnesses, who showed tremendous courage in coming forward and giving evidence." 

"This violent incident has had a devastating impact on the families involved and I hope that today's verdict will bring some measure of justice to them." 

Tremaine Lee, Derico Smith, Kamar Anderson, Lathan Forrester and Ashaun Townsend were convicted of attempting to wound John Barrett with intent and wounding Patrick Barrett with intent. 

Lee, Smith and Anderson were also convicted of violent disorder, while Lathan Forrester and Townsend pleaded guilty to this charge at an earlier hearing.  

A youth was convicted of attempting to wound John Barrett with intent and violent disorder. 

Lance Forrester and Jermaine Wilson were convicted of wounding Patrick Barrett with intent, and pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing.

Rumaal Ingram and Warren Mason were found guilty of violent disorder, while Clarence Edwards and Olushola Watson pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Andrew Beckford, Anthan Barnett and Billy Bowen were all found not guilty of violent disorder and the same charge against Anton Ogle was dismissed at an earlier hearing.

They will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court in March.