A man has been jailed of the murder of a Stone man earlier this year.
Daniel Allott, 27, of Bagots Oak, Stafford, was convicted for the murder of Connan McLeod, 23, from Stone, at Stafford Crown Court today (Wednesday 8 October) and has been sentenced to 23 years in prison.
Emergency services were called to Whitemill Lane, Stone, at 12.20am on Saturday 12 April following reports that a man had been stabbed.
Sadly, Connan was pronounced dead at the scene and a murder investigation was launched. Inquiries led detectives to arrest Allott and he was charged with Connan’s murder.
The court heard that on Friday 11 April Allott had consumed a large amount of alcohol. Connan was in the park with a friend and he had also consumed a considerable amount of alcohol. An argument broke out within the group that culminated in Allott smashing a beer bottle over Connan’s head.
Connan remained in the area and together with friends went to the address of a party (in Whitemill Lane) to settle the earlier dispute in the park.
Throughout the trial the jury heard from witness accounts that an initial fist fight took place between Connan and Allott’s cousin. However, during this fight Allott took hold of a kitchen knife from the flat and used it to fatally stab Connan in the chest.
A detailed investigation by detectives from the force’s Major Investigations Department (MID) established that Allott fled the scene immediately and a public appeal to find him was launched. The response was astounding with hundreds of people sharing the appeal on Facebook. It reached over 200,000 people.
Allott eventually handed himself in at Burton police station on the afternoon of Sunday 13 April.
Detective Inspector Glyn Pattinson, who led the inquiry, said: “This investigation was very intensive and we worked round the clock to find Allott. We are thankful for the response we had from the public and those who came forward with information. Through speaking to numerous young people who were at the party, or in the area on that fateful evening, we were able to piece together the circumstances that led to Connan’s tragic death.
“It is not unusual for young people to fall out, and the chances of this happening are only increased when drink or drugs are taken.
“However, Allott’s actions were completely disproportionate to the situation. Two unarmed men were fighting in the street when he made a deliberate decision to get involved and arm himself with a knife; sadly Connan suffered the ultimate price.
“He may have been affected by alcohol but Allott knew exactly what he was doing and evaded the police for over 36 hours before his capture, refusing even at trial to disclose his whereabouts.
“Our thoughts remain with Connan’s family and I hope that today’s conviction brings some form of closure for them.”
The Mcleod Family issued the following statement:
We, the family and friends of Connan McLeod, are very pleased with the outcome of the trial. Although it will not bring back Connan our only child.
We would like to thank the Jury for bringing the guilty verdict and justice for Connan.
Also a big thank you to the witnesses for being brave and taking the stand.
Mr Robert Price, barrister, for the excellent job he has done in prosecuting this cowardly person, Daniel Allott.
We would also like to thank Staffordshire Police for the help and support throughout this very difficult time in our lives.
Also a big thank you to the doctors and paramedics who attended the incident, and their attempts to save Connan’s life.
A big thank you to all family and friends and everyone who has shown support since our tragic loss of our much loved and missed son.
We really do believe more must be done about carrying and using knives. There must be longer sentences.
This sort of crime ruins the lives of many. We believe people should choose ‘life not a knife’.
Connan will be missed forever, by so many people, all because of one mindless act of violence.
