Jamie Mitchell found guilty of murdering Steven Wilkinson in Buckley

Following a two-week trial, the 25-year-old, of Lexham Green Close, Buckley, was found guilty at Mold Crown Court on Thursday (April 27).

The jury had taken just under three hours to reach their verdict. 

Mr Wilkinson, aged 23, was fatally stabbed on the evening of October 4, 2022. 

Mitchell, who showed no emotion in the dock as the verdict was delivered, will be sentenced next Thursday. Judge Rhys Rowlands warned him that he faces a life sentence being imposed. 

He told the defendant: "You have been convicted on the most compelling evidence of the murder of a young man. 

"Mr Wilkinson was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was cornered by you and lost his life in a cowardly attack. It is yet another example of inadequate young men, like yourself, using knives."

During the trial, the court heard that on the evening of October 4, Mitchell left his house armed with a knife after a rock was thrown at his property - smashing a window. 

The court was told that Mitchell had gone out "hunting" for those responsible. 

He came across Mr Wilkinson, who had been walking near Home Bargains car park with a friend after a night out, and chased him into Jubilee Road whilst brandishing the blade.

Mitchell chased the victim, who hadn't been involved in the damage to the window, into an alleyway, where he discovered the door at the other end was locked and he was trapped.

At this point, Mitchell stabbed Mr Wilkinson under his armpit - with the knife piercing his lung and heart. Mitchell fled the scene, and a friend found Mr Wilkinson and called for help. 

FULL COVERAGE OF THE TRIAL

• Man 'cornered' former friend in alleyway and stabbed him in chest, court told
• Jury hear harrowing audio of fatal injury inflicted upon 23-year-old Steven Wilkinson
• Man tells of struggle to save friend's life after alleyway stabbing
• Tearful sister tells jury of frantic search for Steven Wilkinson after stabbing
• Steven Wilkinson's stab wound was 'un-survivable from the moment it was inflicted'
• Murder accused considered alleyway stabbing victim "a friend," court told
• Jurors hear closing speeches after receiving all evidence in Buckley murder trial

The court was told that Mr Wilkinson had suffered an "unsurvivable" injury - and he sadly died at hospital later that evening.

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Superintendent Mark Pierce, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Steven’s family and the investigation team welcome the verdict of the Jury and would like to thank them for their diligent work in what was an extremely upsetting case. 

"I will make further comment after the sentencing hearing next Thursday. In the meantime, I am aware that the end of trial will present the possibility for the release of emotions and anger from those connected to this tragic incident, and the local community. 

"We will continue to support Steven’s family as they begin their difficult journey in moving forward."