Teenagers convicted of murdering Kirkby man on skate park
Jack Edwards suffered fatal injuries after masonry was thrown at him
Two teenagers have been convicted of murder after a Kirkby man was hit in the face with a brick on a skate park in Nottingham.
Kai Howitt and a 13-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, both armed themselves with masonry and hurled them at Jack Edwards from close range.
While one of the pieces missed, the other struck the 24-year-old straight in the face, causing fatal injuries.
Jack on the skate park in Sussex Street, opposite Nottingham College, when he became involved in an argument with a group of young people.
Howitt, then 18, and his 13-year-old accomplice, were among those involved in the confrontation at about 6.50pm on December 5.
As the argument became more heated, Howitt was one of several members of the group that was seen to throw objects in Jack’s direction – with all the missiles missing their target.
The 13-year-old then picked up two pieces of masonry from the ground – handing one to Howitt and kept the other for himself – before moving back across the skate park.
Both then moved towards Jack as he was backing away, and threw the objects at him from a couple of metres away, with one of the missiles knocking Jack to the floor.
The attackers then ran away, while Jack was left lying on the ground with significant head injuries.
Jack was initially tended to by passers-by, until paramedics arrived at the scene soon afterwards.
He died in hospital two days later, December 7.
After denying killing Jack, both defendants were found guilty of murder by a jury on Thursday, June 27, following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
Howitt, 19, of Trent Boulevard, West Bridgford, and the 13-year-old boy due to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday July 15.
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “Jack’s senseless murder has left his family completely devastated.
"Following the attack, the defendants ran off, leaving Jack dying on the floor.
"They both knew what they had done but neither has ever admitted their guilt.
"I would like to pay tribute to Jack’s family and the enormous dignity they have shown throughout this ordeal.
"While our investigation can never ease their pain, I hope that the conclusion of this trial provides them with some comfort now these offenders have been found guilty for their crime."