A judge has condemned the scourge of knife crime after sentencing a man to life in prison for stabbing a new father to death in a revenge attack on the streets of Manchester. Rushaun Brown, 24, was handed a minimum term of 24 years for the murder of 24-year-old Neri Morse, who was knifed in the heart on Carruthers Street in Ancoats.
Manchester Crown Court heard that the killing was retaliation for a 'failed attack' by Mr Morse and his nephew Driece Morse at a nearby shop. Brown and another man, Meshia Newby, 24, were initially pursued by the Morses after an altercation at Zafs GoLocal store, but later became the aggressors. Brown fatally stabbed Neri Morse, while Newby knifed Driece Morse.
Sentencing, Judge Alan Conrad KC said: 'This is yet another case which illustrates graphically the devastation and harm caused by the carrying of knives in public. If knives are carried and trouble flares up they are almost inevitably used, and if used almost inevitably cause death or serious harm.' He noted that Neri Morse was 'just 24 years old when he died an unnecessary and violent death' and was 'greatly loved' as a son and father.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Neri Morse's mother Julie Dixon said: 'Neri was my baby, he was my son. Our lives have been ripped apart and I have no idea how I will get through this.' His partner Nicole Mariko added: 'We had a life mapped out in front of us.'
Brown, of Higher Ardwick, was found guilty of murder and possessing an offensive weapon. Newby, of Brydon Avenue, Ardwick, was found guilty of manslaughter, unlawful wounding and possessing an offensive weapon, and was sentenced to 14 years. A third man, Jermaine Leahong, 23, was cleared of all charges.
Detective Inspector Rachel Smith of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Though today's result will not bring Neri back, I hope it brings his loved ones a sense of closure.'
