On Friday 9th July 2021, after a trial lasting five weeks, a jury unanimously convicted a 17 year old male of the murder and two older youths of the manslaughter of Abdullah Balouchi. Mr Balouchi had only recently turned 20 when he was stabbed in the back after a short but intense chase through the streets of Hull on the night of 7th October of last year. A fourth man, Peter Balog, who had inflicted the fatal wound, had admitted his guilt in the third week of the trial; having been convicted on his plea to murder by that same jury, he turned Queen’s evidence.
The motive for the murder had been a perceived slight; earlier on that Wednesday evening, Mr Balouchi had argued with one of the murderous gang. A keen and proficient boxer, Mr Balouchi had offered to fight that person there and then, but he had refused and left the scene, saying he would return. When he did, he was armed and had back up. Together, the group targeted the unarmed Mr Balouchi, with fatal results.
Instructed by Alex Quigley of the Crown Prosecution Service, Nicholas Campbell QC led Katy Rafter in the preparation for the trial and the presentation of the evidence, and Lorena Veale acted as Disclosure Junior. The investigation was overseen by Det. Superintendent Robert Clark and we were ably assisted by his team, including DS Julian Gibbs and DC Edward Alaszewski who were at court throughout the trial. As many of Abdullah Balouchi’s family as could be accommodated by the Court under the present social distancing restrictions attended the trial; they were commended by His Honour Judge Thackray QC, the Resident Judge of Humberside, for the dignity they had displayed throughout the proceedings.