Two sentenced over death of Shrewsbury man Jason Scott Cooke
A 25-year-old man was today jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years for the murder of Jason Scott Cooke in December 2011.
Peter Clinton of Caradoc View, Hanwood, was found guilty of the murder at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday following a five week trial.
Damen McDonough, 24, of Darville, Shrewsbury, was found guilty of manslaughter, he was given a 10-year prison sentence.
A third man, Aaron Mark Doran, 25, of Cornmill Square, Shrewsbury, was found not guilty of murder or manslaughter. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison but was immediately released following the verdict yesterday after serving the time whilst on remand.
During the trial the court heard how two groups of young men came together at a Monkmoor recreation ground to sort out their differences following a burglary at the home Mark Williams, a friend of Mr Cooke’s.
Two of the defendants were armed with knives and the other an axe.
The confrontation resulted in 23-year-old Cooke being stabbed at least five times, he died soon after arriving at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Speaking following today’s sentencing Detective Inspector Tonks said: "I hope the verdict and today's sentencing will bring some comfort to Scott's family and friends. The conclusion of the court case will hopefully now bring them some kind of closure and the opportunity to move forward. I would like to pay tribute to Scott's family for the dignified manner they have maintained throughout the investigation, which has taken nearly a year to come to trial.
"The circumstances of this tragedy should serve as a warning that anyone carrying a knife as a weapon to threaten others, should expect to be jailed. Anyone wielding a knife or similar weapon will be presumed willing to use it. The potential for tragic consequences is all too clear from what happened in this case.
"This tragedy shocked residents living in the area. Monkmoor Rec is a popular location, well-used by local people. The incident had a significant impact on people living in the area, given that those involved were all local men.
"The police investigation involved many months of detailed work by a dedicated team of officers. I'd like to thank all members of the public who came forward with information to assist the police inquiry. I would also like to thank the witnesses who gave evidence in this case. Their evidence was vital in achieving this outcome at court.”
