Teen Facing Lengthy Sentence For Stabbing Man To Death

Hitchin teenager Jordan Kelly-Flattery was yesterday convicted of the manslaughter of a partially-sighted party guest and was told he faces a "substantial" custodial sentence.

The 19 year-old, of West Close was found not guilty of murdering Stondon man Graham 'Snowy' Snowden, 36, (pic.bottom) at a house in Milestone Road, Hitchin in the early hours of January 8.

However, the Croydon Crown Court jury found him guilty by a majority of 11-1 of unlawfully killing Mr. Snowden, who suffered a stab wound to his left and arm and a fatal wound to his chest, severing his aorta.

Kelly-Flattery, (pic.top) who has a previous conviction for carrying a knife, now faces a possible minimum mandatory sentence for public protection if he is deemed a dangerous offender.

"He tells me he does not want to adjourn for a pre-sentence report. He simply want to know his fate as soon as possible," said Mr. Alan Kent QC.

The Recorder of Croydon Warwick Mckinnon, disagreed, remanding Kelly-Flattery in custody until August 10 and announcing: "I think it is absolutely essential.

"I am particularly concerned about the previous carrying of a knife and the issue of dangerousness must be addressed by the probation service.

"An inevitable substantial custodial sentence is necessary."

The only emotions revealed in the packed courtroom were the odd sigh of relief from the defendant's family and friends as the not guilty verdict to murder was announced.

As the jury assembled the knife, which killed Mr. Snowden, was placed on a court bench directly in front of his family and had to be removed to spare further anguish.

It can now also be revealed for the first time that Kelly-Flattery's brother is serving a life sentence for murder.

During the two-week trial the court heard that Mr. Snowden, enjoying a rare night out, ended up at the address after his drinking-pal Shane Howard brought him there.

Mr. Snowden, who used a walking-stick after a serious car crash several years ago, had difficulty rising from the sofa and was twice pushed back down by the defendant, which sparked a row between the pair.

He was stabbed in the hallway by Kelly-Flattery, who told the jury he was acting in self-defence after Mr. Snowden pulled the knife from his waistband and it dropped to the floor.

The defendant fled via the living-room window, dumped the knife in a wheelie bin in Westmill Road, and with the help of a friend hid his clothing on the edge of Brocket Hall Golf Course.