Gang Convicted in Brutal Murder Receives Over 100 Years in Combined Sentences

Six individuals have been sentenced to a combined total of over 100 years for the murder of Dale Martin, 21, who was fatally stabbed in Derby on June 15 of last year. The group cornered Martin, dragging him from his car and attacking him with knives and machetes after blocking his vehicle with mopeds and electric bikes.

Jayden Mannion-Roberts was found guilty of murder and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years. Ki Grant-Finlayson and Keenan Hamblett were convicted of manslaughter. Grant-Finlayson was sentenced to 18 years, while Hamblett received 17 years and six months. Grant-Finlayson and Hamblett were apprehended attempting to board a flight to Tunisia days after the murder.

Kelci Thompson, Shaylon McCalla, and Kayin Holmes were also found guilty of manslaughter. The total sentences for the six individuals exceed a century.

The attack occurred following a history of animosity between rival groups in the Sinfin, Allerton, and Osmaston areas, with two prior confrontations earlier that weekend. Martin had attended a gender-reveal party before the attack, which took place around 11:45 p.m.

Prosecution lawyers stated that the gang was armed with swords, machetes, and knives. Witnesses described the attackers cornering Martin and attacking him "like a pack of animals" after he escaped their initial grasp and tripped.

Temporary Detective Inspector Chris Wright of Derbyshire Constabulary characterized the killing as a "planned, sustained, and brutal attack," noting the perpetrators' intent to inflict serious harm. He added that the offenders showed no concern for the harm caused or the impact on the community. DI Wright also extended thanks to the public for their assistance in the investigation and to Martin's family for their support throughout the lengthy legal process.

DI Wright described the attackers' actions as reminiscent of a "pack of animals" and expressed horror at the repeated slashing and stabbing motions, calling the incident shocking and uncommon for the streets of Derby.