Men guilty of brutal murder

07/11/2007

Today, at Stafford Crown Court, Gary Rogers, 19, Jamie Bennett, 20, and Martin McGuinness, 23, all form Stoke-on-Trent were convicted of killing Daron Hargreaves on 22 December 2006.

Mr Hargreaves, who was 32 years old at the time of his death, was returning home after walking his babysitter back to their house when he was attacked in the street by a group of men, on the ground he was kicked and stamped on sustaining massive head injuries. Daron died as a direct result of these actions.

Speaking after the trial, Maureen Shea, Unit Head for CPS Staffordshire said: The outcome of todays trial has ensured that all the hard work undertaken by Staffordshire police and ourselves has paid off in securing the guilty verdicts on these men and in turn their life sentences. The death of Daron Hargreaves was extremely tragic and distressing; these men imposed a brutal and unprovoked attack on another leaving him for dead on the street. The CPS is delighted that this coupled with the direct and clear presentation of the case has lead to a conviction of murder against Rogers, Bennett, and McGuinness.

Whilst we are pleased that Mr Hargreaves killers have been convicted, nothing will bring back Daron or compensate the family or friends for their sad loss and our thoughts are with them all at this time.