Man jailed for life over Connan McLeod murder
A father was this afternoon found guilty of murdering a man in a Staffordshire street.
'Cowardly' Daniel Allott, aged 27, of Bagots Oak, Stafford, was convicted of the murder of 23-year-old Connan McLeod by a jury of six men and six women, and will serve a life sentence with a minimum of 22 years and six months.
They took just over six hours to reach their unanimous verdict at Stafford Crown Court.
Mr McLeod died after being stabbed in the chest by Allott in Whitemill Lane, Stone, in April.
Allott and Connan had been in a park and had both been drinking when an argument broke out, culminating in Allott smashing a beer bottle over Connan's head.
Connan and friends went to a party in Whitemill Lane to settle the earlier dispute.
The jury heard how a fist fight took place between Connan and Allott's cousin. During that, Allott took hold of a kitchen knife from the flat and used it to stab Connan in the chest.
In depth:
I had a knife because I was scared, says murder accused
Man heard to shout he had a knife moments before fatal stabbing
Picture released of Staffordshire murder victim as family speak of pain
This afternoon, the victim's family released this 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."
Det Insp 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.
"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."
