Teen Jailed For Manslaughter

10 August 2012, 17:26 | Updated: 10 August 2012, 17:28

A 19 year old man has been sentenced to ten years for manslaughter today (Friday August 10) after a man died after being stabbed in Hitchin.

Jordan Flattery, of West Close, Hitchin was found guilty at a hearing in Croydon Crown Court last month.

Father of two, Graham Snowden, 36, died after an altercation with Flattery at Milestone Road in the early hours of Sunday January 8th. 

Mr Snowden, was stabbed twice, once through his arm as he defended himself and second fatally to his chest. 

Detective Inspector Neil Langford, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: 'Firstly, our thoughts remain with the family of Graham Snowden who have shown incredible bravery throughout this process. 

'Our thoughts remain with them through what continues to be an extremely difficult time for them.

'The actions of Jordan Flattery on January 8th were cowardly - he took a man’s life and then fled from the scene. 

'He deliberately carried a knife on him prior to this incident and this should act as a warning to those who commit such an offence, that you will be caught and dealt with. 

'The sentence passed on him today cannot bring Graham back but I hope it offers some closure to his family, who continue to live with the legacy the actions of Flattery have left behind from that night.'

Mr Snowden's family have also paid tribute to him: 'Our world ended in the early hours of January 8th this year when our beloved Graham had his life cruelly taken from him. 

'Today the court has sentenced Jordan Flattery to ten years in custody after he was found guilty of the manslaughter of Graham, but it is us, Graham’s family, who continue to serve a life sentence, as no sentence passed today can ever bring him back.

'Graham was a fighter, he survived a horrific car accident eight years ago which sadly took the life of his friend and colleague, and left Graham fighting for his own. 

'He sustained life changing injuries in the collision which left him with limited sight and mobility problems. 

'He fought for an hour to stay alive the night he suffered that fatal stab wound inflicted on him by Jordan Flattery and we know he did not want to leave this world as he had so much to live for.

'Graham was a kind and dedicated family man, he would do anything for anyone, even though sometimes it could be a struggle, he never complained about anything and always saw the bright side of life.

'Graham was the life and soul of a party he was always cracking jokes and had a wicked sense of humour. 

'He loved the company of other people and did not like being on his own, he had many friends and was very popular because of his bubbly personality.

'A home which was once filled with his laughter is now shrouded with a deafening silence.

'We miss him more with each day that passes and although a sentence has been passed today we will live with the legacy of the actions of Jordan Flattery, and will never have an answer as to why Graham had his life so cruelly taken from him.'