A drug dealer has been convicted of murdering an 18-year-old in Mapperley Park on Good Friday.
Nathan Towsey, 21, of Braunton Crescent in Gedling, was found guilty by a jury at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (November 3) following an 11-day trial.
He was arrested after Matthew Rothery, of Woodborough Road, suffered a fatal stab wound at around 1am on Friday, April 14.
Police, who had been called by the ambulance service, found Matthew in a critical condition and treated him until paramedics arrived. He was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre but died shortly afterwards.
Towsey was later arrested and pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to possession of an offensive weapon. He denied the murder all along, claiming that he’d been set up and that he was acting in self-defence.
During the trial, the court heard how Matthew was at his flat when Towsey arrived with two of Matthew’s friends. There was a row between Matthew and Towsey over a bike he had previously borrowed which is when Towsey took out a knife and stabbed the victim.
A witness in court stated that he stabbed his the leg and then attacked him again causing a defence injury to his arm before running from the flat.
A post mortem revealed Matthew Rothery had been stabbed twice, once in the leg and once in the arm, and attempts had been made to attack him again. The fatal blow was a wound to the knee which had cut a vital artery.
After the verdict Detective Inspector Justine Wilson said: “This tragic case is one example of the devastating consequences of knife crime. A young man has needlessly lost his life.
“The court heard how Nathan Towsey was a low level street drug dealer and one who saw this as an opportunity to assert his control and inflict fear. This callous attack has devastated Matthew’s family who have lost a son, brother, cousin and nephew.
“I would like to praise them for their dignity held throughout this emotional trial and only hope that this brings some justice. I would also like to like to highlight the effects that carrying a knife can have.”
“Nottinghamshire Police is committed to working with our partners and communities to reduce knife crime and the harm it can cause. We would encourage families to speak to their loved ones about the carrying of knives and remind people of the Crimestoppers service where they can anonymously report people who persistently carry them.
“I would also like to praise the investigation team for their tenacity and attention to detail which has led to this rightful conviction. I hope that this result goes out as a warning to all about the risks and devastating consequences carrying a knife can have.”
