Two women and a man have been found guilty of manslaughter following the death of a 53-year-old Army veteran who was repeatedly assaulted during a violent confrontation in Hull city centre.
Britney Naylor, 20 from Hull; Shaytiya Farrow, 21 from Blackpool; and Lukasz Matusiak, 27 from Hull, were convicted following a seven-week trial at Hull Crown Court, which concluded on Monday (Oct 19).
The convictions relate to the death of Martin Chadburn, 53, who suffered a life-threatening head injury after being attacked outside Princes Quay on Carr Lane.
At around 3.40am on Sunday (Apr 19), officers from Humberside Police were called to reports of a serious assault following an altercation involving a group of people.
Martin was taken to hospital for emergency treatment, but despite the efforts of medical professionals, he died from his injuries on Tuesday (Apr 21).
An investigation was immediately launched by Humberside Police's Major Crime Team, with detectives gathering CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.
Footage from the area showed a group of people involved in assaulting Martin.
Officers also examined CCTV from a bar on Carr Lane which the group had visited that night, identifying two men as Matusiak and Kristjan Suits.
Further enquiries established that three women had left the city centre in a taxi shortly after the incident, the court heard.
The taxi driver confirmed that three women matching their descriptions had been dropped off at an address on Freemantle Avenue in Hull.
During the early hours of the following morning, Bethany Naylor and Shaytiya Farrow contacted police, placing themselves at the scene and identifying Britney Naylor as also being involved in the altercation.
Detectives subsequently located Farrow and Britney Naylor at an address in Blackpool, while Bethany Naylor was found at her home address.
Suits and Matusiak were also located at an address in Hull.
All five were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before being further arrested on suspicion of murder following Martin's death.
They were charged with murder on Thursday (Apr 23) and remanded into custody.
Following the jury's verdicts, Bethany Naylor, 20, of Deerhurst Grove, Hull, and Kristjan Suits, 35, of Queens Road, Hull, were found not guilty and acquitted.
Britney Naylor, Farrow and Matusiak have been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Hull Crown Court on Friday (Nov 27).
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy said: “This is a truly tragic case which began with an altercation in the early hours of the morning and ended with a family losing a loved one.
“Martin was 53-years-old and had the rest of his life ahead of him. Instead, a confrontation escalated into violence, and he suffered injuries which ultimately cost him his life. Nothing can undo the devastating impact Martin’s death has had on his family and those who knew and loved him.
“Fighting with another person can be an impulsive decision in the moment, but this case demonstrates just how awful the consequences of those decisions can be. What may start as an argument or confrontation can very quickly spiral into something which changes lives forever.
“I hope this case serves as a stark reminder that violence is never the answer. Walking away from a confrontation can be one of the most important decisions you make. No moment of anger is worth the devastating consequences that can follow when violence arises.
“I would like to thank the members of the public and local businesses that assisted us with our enquiries, providing crucial information that has supported our investigation and led to this conviction. I am also grateful to the officers and staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this investigation to establish what happened that night and bring those responsible before the courts.
“Violent crime will never be tolerated, and we will ensure anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to unleash violence on our streets will be held accountable.”
Martin's family paid an emotional tribute following the convictions.
They said: “We would like to give heartfelt gratitude, appreciation and thanks to everyone who has provided support after the tragic and cruel circumstances surrounding Martin’s death.
“We would like to thank the first responders and those who stayed with Martin, providing first aid, the hospital staff who gave empathy to the family and the dignity to Martin in his final hours, all of the police and CPS who ensured quick arrests, transparency throughout the investigation, providing and gathering the evidence and getting the case to trial. Their efficiency and support have been unwavering – thank you.
“We would also like to thank our barristers; their dedication and experience have been unfaltering. They kept the family up to date with legal matters and answered all our many questions. Thank you.
“A massive thank you to family, friends and work colleagues of Martin who have shown and given unbelievable support throughout.
“Nothing will bring Martin back, but his memory will always live on. We will continue to remember Martin as the guy who laughed, enjoyed adventure, loved everyone and gave his heart and soul - living life to the full. The guy who was compassionate, caring and giving. We will miss him more than words can say…. We are broken hearted.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Marie Walsh, of CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Martin Chadburn was a much-loved Army veteran who had dedicated his life to helping others.
“He was viciously assaulted by a group of people who chose violence when they could have walked away. Witnesses described the appalling way he was repeatedly assaulted by the group, even after he had already been knocked to the ground and was unable to defend himself.
“The defendants tried to distance themselves from the consequences of their actions, but we were able to prove how they played a part in his devastating death.
“Our thoughts remain with Martin’s family and loved ones. I hope these convictions can provide them with some measure of justice.”