Dylan Cranfield, 17, was given a life sentence for the murder of 17-year-old Seb Mitchell. He will spend at least 11 years in jail.
Prosecutors thought that even though he had already entered a guilty plea to manslaughter, what he did the night Seb was stabbed constituted murder.
After being stabbed through the heart during an incident at a residence on Claro Road in Harrogate, Seb passed away in the hospital on February 21.
After a nine-day trial at Leeds Crown Court, a jury found Cranfield, of Claro Road in Harrogate, guilty of murder on August 25. The judge then removed reporting limitations so the defendant could be named.
On Saturday, February 18, during the evening, a fight broke out between 16-year-old Seb and his friend Cranfield. The guys had been drinking and chatting.
After a nine-day trial at Leeds Crown Court, a jury found Cranfield, of Claro Road in Harrogate, guilty of murder on August 25. The judge then removed reporting limitations so the defendant could be named.
On Saturday, February 18, during the evening, a fight broke out between 16-year-old Seb and his friend Cranfield. The guys had been drinking and chatting.
After that, there was a fight that resulted in glass breaking in the property’s kitchen area.
After more disagreement, Cranfield fatally stabbed Seb with a huge kitchen knife that he took from a nearby knife block.
After initial inquiries by responding officers, Cranfield was taken into custody at the address, and in the days that followed, he was charged with attempted murder.
Regretfully, on February 21, a week shy of turning eighteen, Seb passed away in the hospital in spite of the tremendous efforts of the medical personnel.
After that, Cranfield was accused of killing someone.
On Monday, December 4, at Leeds Crown Court, victim personal statements were read aloud by family members. They spoke of Seb as a lovely spirit who was adored by many, leaving a hole in their hearts that was the size of Seb.
“This case was an absolute tragedy,” stated Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, Senior Investigating Officer, Major Investigation Team, North Yorkshire Police.
The defendant armed himself with a deadly weapon in retaliation for inflicting relatively little damage, which led to a series of events that resulted in the needless death of a young man.
“A young guy with so much to look forward to in life and a bright future ahead of him cannot be brought back by a sentence.
“The defendant’s use of a knife in the situation was disastrous; it took Seb’s life and drastically altered the lives of his friends, family, and other loved ones.
“There are no words that can sum up the devastation caused by young people who think nothing of picking up a knife or other weapon and using it.
“I hope that the outcome of this case sends a very clear message to anyone who may consider possessing a knife that no good can come from such action.
“Our thoughts remain very much with Seb’s family and friends.
“We hope that the conclusion of the proceedings brings a semblance of closure for them at such a difficult time.”
Be the first to comment