Second Manslaughter Conviction for Knifeman Who Boasted After Fatal Stabbing
A 20-year-old man who was heard boasting 'I sliced him up, I sliced him up' following a fatal stabbing has been convicted of manslaughter for the second time after a retrial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
Tragic Incident in Bournemouth Town Centre
Thomas Betteridge, of Southsea, Hampshire, killed 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton in the early hours of August 5, 2023, in Bournemouth town centre. The court heard that during the altercation, Betteridge had been pushed into a bush by Mr Hamilton before the defendant retaliated with a knife.
Prosecutor John Price KC told the retrial that Betteridge then ran away from the scene, leaving behind a trainer and a second teenager. Witnesses reported hearing Betteridge utter the chilling words 'I sliced him up, I sliced him up' in what was described as 'almost a boastful and proud manner' while 'laughing a little bit'.
Retrial and Previous Conviction Overturned
Betteridge had initially been convicted of manslaughter in March 2024 and was subsequently jailed for nine years in July of that year. However, that conviction was later quashed, leading to the recent retrial where a jury once again found him guilty of both manslaughter and possessing a bladed article in a public place.
The court heard that following the fatal incident, Betteridge changed his top and trainers with friends at the scene before being stopped by police. He expressed 'righteous indignation' at being stopped and searched, even filming the officers on his mobile phone and posting the video on Instagram.
Self-Defence Claim and Subsequent Actions
During proceedings, Betteridge claimed he had acted in self-defence, stating it was something he regretted but 'had to do as he believed it to be necessary to defend himself'. However, prosecutor Mr Price highlighted the defendant's immediate actions after the killing, noting that 'the first thing Mr Betteridge had done after the killing was to brag about it and the next thing he did in less than three minutes was to try and change his appearance'.
Family's Dignity and Campaign Against Knife Crime
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third expressed hope that the conviction would offer some comfort to Cameron Hamilton's family, who have 'continued to conduct themselves in a dignified and supportive manner throughout the further court process they have had to endure'.
Despite their unimaginable grief at losing their loved one at such a young age, the family have campaigned to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of knife crime through their Changes Are Made charity, making 'a real difference in the local community'.
In a previous statement, Mr Hamilton's family described him as 'loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him', adding that he was 'a loving and caring, intelligent, polite young man with his whole life ahead of him' who is 'missed so much by us all'.
Thomas Betteridge is scheduled to be sentenced again on May 8, 2024, following his second conviction for the same offence.
