22-year-old Connor Hulse has been found guilty of the murder of father-of-five Tom Gaughan following a stabbing in Cleethorpes last summer.
Police were called to Grant Street following reports that a group of men were fighting outside of the Swashbuckle Tavern in Cleethorpes on Friday 21 July.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that 32-year-old Tom Gaughan had been stabbed and was left fighting for his life. He remained in critical condition in hospital for almost a month before he died as a result of his injuries. The incident is said to have stemmed from a verbal altercation which took place between the two groups, which escalated into a physical fight. During the fight Hulse pulled a knife from the waistband of his trousers and began to swing it around, before lunging towards Tom with the knife, causing injuries to his head, ear, shoulder and arm.
Connor Hulse, 22, of Chester Walk, Grimsby, was arrested at the time. Earlier this month he went on trial for murder at Grimsby Crown Court, and has now been found guilty.
It took the jury just two hours to reach their verdict.
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Nicola Burnett said: “Tom Gaughan was a much loved father, grandson, partner and friend and my thoughts remain with his loved ones at this difficult time.
“This was a vicious attack that has ultimately cost a young man his future. By carrying a knife that night Hulse showed that he was capable of great violence, using it mid-fight with disastrous consequences.
“He is now facing time behind bars for his reckless and dangerous actions, and I hope this sends a clear message to anyone that carries a knife and reminds them of the risk that they are taking in doing so.”
Updates to follow.
