Three more men have been jailed for a total of 60 years today in connection with the events of the 15th August last year when Javell Morgan died in hospital after being stabbed five times at a street party on Claremont Road, Moss Side.
A separate trial found Mikyle Bucknor aged 19 of Mirfield, Kirklees and Karmani Batler aged 21 of Belle Vue Crescent, Sheepridge guilty of attempted murder. Bucknor, Batler and a further male, Harlan Richards,20, of Trafalgar Close, Kirklees were all found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life
Bucknor received 25 years for attempt murder (plus concurrent sentences of 14 and nine years for firearms offences), Batler was given 24 years for the attempt murder conviction (plus also concurrent sentences of 12 and nine years for firearms offences) and Richards has been given 11 years for a firearms offence (plus eight years concurrent for further firearms offences).
The investigation, which included an extensive trawl and forensic review of CCTV, identified two rival groups had travelled from Huddersfield to Moss Side.
Batler, Bucknor and Richards, members of one of the groups, were all in possession of firearms and approached the opposing Huddersfield group which contained Doughty and Crosfield.
Bucknor’s firearm was fired in the direction of the rival group, thankfully the bullet hit the floor and did not cause any injuries despite being fired in such a crowded public place.
The rival group then responded with knives which resulted in the tragic killing of Javell Morgan by Crosfield and Doughty.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team said:
“Our thoughts still remain with Javell’s loved ones who have been devastated by his murder. We have been able to bring people from both groups to justice for this terrible act of violence. I hope Javell’s family can take some comfort from this.
“We have put violent people behind bars through our comprehensive enquires and with assistance from West Yorkshire Police. These individuals had no regard for other people’s safety when they decided to set upon one another amongst a crowded group of young people in such a public setting.
“Caribbean Carnival is a key event, where Greater Manchester’s communities come together to celebrate diversity. GMP will not tolerate serious violent crime at this event or any other event and officers will continue to work with partner agencies to keep people safe at such events.”
