On January 17, 2023, Raymond James Quigley, also known as James, of Wymondham, Norfolk, was fatally stabbed in Ipswich.
Joshua Howell and Alfie Hammett, both 19 years old, were given minimum sentences of 20 years and 24 years, respectively.
Around 15:30 GMT, Mr. Quigley was attacked on Westgate Street. He entered a card store but passed away from his injuries.
The two Ipswich-based defendants were found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon after a trial that lasted over a month at Ipswich Crown Court.
The prosecution claimed that Mr. Quigley was attacked outside the former Debenhams building as payback for the January 2022 murder of 18-year-old Joe Dix in Norwich.
He died from back, chest, and torso stab wounds.
The deadly blows were allegedly given by Hammett, of Larkhill Rise, Rushmere St Andrew, near Ipswich, and formerly of Norwich, while Howell, of Wellington Street, Ipswich, was reported to have threatened Mr. Quigley’s pals with a machete.
Prosecutor Andrew Jackson told the jury, “This was a murder committed in the context of gang rivalry and retribution stemming from the murder of Joe Dix.”
Judge Martyn Levett stated throughout the sentencing process that Howell and Hammett were both gang members who lacked genuine regret.
“It is self evident that this was a planned attack,” he stated.
“I’m quite sure you both believed Mr Quigley was a rival gang member… you both had been given enough information from others about the identify of Mr Quigley [and his friends] in order for you to recognise them.”
He went on: “This gang violence that is occurring in our Suffolk neighborhoods is damaging the area’s long-standing image for tranquility and replacing it with the idea that people shouldn’t go to streets, malls, or thoroughfares by themselves or with young children.
“A consequence of that fear is that it is affecting the local economy and vibrancy of town centres.”
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