A gang involved in the brutal murder and attempted cover-up of Lewis Bell has been sentenced to prison. Sean McLeod, who delivered the fatal stab wound, was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The 26-year-old victim was attacked on his son’s eighth birthday after being chased, punched, kicked, and stamped on by the gang.
Lewis Bell was accused of taxing drug users at a Stockton crack den to support his habit before the fatal incident on September 19 last year. The attack was carried out after allegations that Bell stole from another customer.
Liam Matthews and Ashton White were convicted of manslaughter at Teesside Crown Court. Jurors saw distressing footage of the pursuit and attack, during which Bell screamed for his life.
The victim’s family spoke out during sentencing, condemning the gang for mocking them by laughing and blowing kisses throughout the trial. The family also mourned previous tragic losses of their mother and another brother.
Sean McLeod fled to London after the attack, and the murder weapon has not been recovered. Matthews, who had been recently released from prison, assaulted Bell with a chisel and then stomped on him. He received a 15-year sentence plus three years extended licence.
White, aged 17 at the time, was sentenced to 10 years in a young offenders’ institution. He admitted to deliberately missing Bell during the attack.
Macauley Wright was sentenced to 2.5 years for assisting the offenders by arranging a taxi for two gang members after the crime. Wright eventually gave partial details of the incident but omitted his full involvement.
Judge Francis Laird KC delivered the sentences, emphasizing the lasting impact the murder has had on Bell’s family.
