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Dad David Young stabbed in the leg after clash with teens on New Year's Day, court hears

16:18, 25 June 2013

David Young died after being stabbed in Windmill Road, Gillingham
David Young died after being stabbed in Windmill Road, Gillingham

A father-of-two suffered a fatal wound to his leg just yards from Medway Maritime Hospital after clashing with two teenagers in the early hours of New Year's Day, a court heard.

The knife penetrated David Young's left thigh to a depth of about 7cm and severed an artery, which led to complications. He died four days later.

After the violence, one of the teenagers complained he had been hit on the head with a brick and the other was alleged to have replied: "Don't worry, I stabbed him."

Stuart Porter, 18, and a 17-year-old who cannot be identified for legal reasons, deny murdering 28-year-old Mr Young, of Beatty Avenue, Gillingham.

They also deny wounding the victim's friend John-Paul Smith with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor said the knife was wielded by either Porter, of Buttermere Close, Gillingham, or the other youth, from Strood.

"Both defendants have spoken of stabbing someone during the incident," he said. Porter was overheard saying to the other teenager: "Don't worry, I stabbed him." The other youth admitted stabbing out in a police interview.

Police cordon off Windmill Road after the stabbing
Police cordon off Windmill Road after the stabbing

There were many witnesses but not one of them saw the knife being used. They saw a snapshot, rather than the whole picture.

"For that reason and others, it may be one clear picture of the event may not emerge during the trial," Mr Taylor told Maidstone Crown Court.

"Despite comments made by both defendants, only one knife was recovered. David Young died from wounds caused by a weapon or weapons used by the defendants.

"In short, the Crown's case is both are guilty of the murder of David Young and the assault on John-Paul Smith."

Mr Young, his girlfriend Kirsty Bryant, brother Aaron Young, Mr Smith, Ben Wilkins and Amy Isham had been walking home after New Year’s celebrations at the Casino Rooms in Rochester.

As they reached Windmill Road at about 2am they saw the teenagers and their girlfriends.

David Young with his daughters Aliyah and Latia
David Young with his daughters Aliyah and Latia

Aaron Young later told police Porter, who was wearing a distinctive pink striped top, had his arm around his girlfriend and was looking in their direction.

Mr Young said his builder brother asked: "What are you looking at?" Porter responded: "What are you going to do about it?"

The confrontation ended with David Young fatally injured and Mr Smith with a wound close to his heart.

The jury of nine men and three women were taken on a view of the area on Tuesday afternoon.

The trial continues.

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