Shrewsbury murder: 16-year-old Michael Warham's family finally sees justice as killer sentenced
After more than a year of waiting, the family of murdered Michael Warham have finally got justice and seen his killer sentenced to life in prison.
Michael Warham, from the Bootle area of Merseyside, who was due to become a father, was stabbed to death on a street in Shrewsbury in a crime that shocked the local community.
With the news that Declan Graves, 20, also from Liverpool, will serve at least 20 years for his murder, it brings an end to the long quest for justice.
An initial trial for the murder held in February this year collapsed, leading to a re-trial which began at Stafford Crown Court last month.
On March 1 the first jury to hear the case of the man accused of murdering Mr Warham was discharged after failing to reach a verdict following three days of deliberations.
A re-trial was ordered, which began on August 17.
And, after a hearing lasting nearly two weeks, the jury has now returned its guilty verdict.
Mr Warham, 16, was found with stab wounds in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, on August 1, 2016.
The teenager had spent the day in Shrewsbury with friends before he was stabbed following an altercation outside a flat in Moneybrook Way involving two groups of men.
He died from his injuries three days later, sparking a murder probe.
20-year-old Graves was accused of killing him during the incident that involved a clash between the two groups of young people.
The men were said to have fought with pipes, wooden poles and knives.
Mr Warham was stabbed twice, suffering a wound to his heart.
Despite being taken to hospital for emergency surgery, he died from his injuries.
A knife was discovered in foliage in the front garden of a property in Stapleton Road, near where Mr Warham was found injured.
Although no blood was found on the blade, there were traces of the victim’s DNA on it.
The court heard that Graves had seen looking in a distressed state in the aftermath of the incident.
At the time of Mr Warham’s death, his girlfriend Nikita shared the news that Mr Warham known as Mikey, was due to become a dad.
She described Michael as the “kindest lad you could ever meet” and vowed their baby would grow up “knowing how amazing his daddy was”.
She said: “My Michael never had a bad bone in his body, he always tried his hardest to help people.
“He was the most loving and kindest lad you could ever meet with a heart of gold.
“It’s just so unfortunate that he went so soon, he had his whole life ahead of him and we have a baby on the way. Love and miss him so much. Our baby will grow up knowing how amazing his daddy was.”
In a statement, also released following Mr Warham’s death, his family said: “We are devastated at the loss of our beloved son and brother in such tragic circumstances.
“Michael was a much loved, remarkable young boy with a big heart and loving nature. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the honour to know him.
The statement added: “We wish to thank everyone who attended the scene to help Michael.
“We would also like to thank the medical staff at the hospital and all those who have helped the police.”
Giving evidence in the trial, neighbours living on the street where Mr Warham died also spoke of their shock following the crime.
