Man jailed for nine years for fatal stabbing

A man has been jailed for nine years after admitting fatally stabbing a man.

Neil Woodley, 50, of Blakes Way, Coleford, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday after admitting the manslaughter of 20-year-old Luke Wasley.

Woodley, who the court heard had started carrying a knife for protection after falling into drug-related debt, stabbed Mr Wasley during an altercation.

In sentencing His Honour Judge Jonathan Swift told Woodley: "Your decision to carry a knife on that evening was a fateful one."

Woodley was initially tried for murder in June 2023, but the jury was discharged after the judge accepted that two other defendants on trial for related offences had no case to answer.

He was due to stand trial again this month, but his guilty plea to manslaughter and possessing a bladed item in a public place were accepted by prosecutors.

The court heard that Mr Wasley had been with friends on the evening in question, at a flat in St John Street, Coleford.

They had seen Woodley walk past, and started following him and shouting at him - with one of the friends running up behind Woodley and striking him on the back of the head, Gloucestershire Constabulary said.

In response Woodley pulled out a knife, causing the men to back away and return to the flat.

One of the men was heard to shout at Woodley: "Wait until I see you again."

The trio went out again later and found Woodley, chasing him down several streets, according to the force.

The court heard that Woodley had pulled out his phone to call police, but it was ripped out of his hands and his chains pulled off his neck.

Woodley was then punched repeatedly to the face, and at this point he again pulled out his knife and fatally stabbed Mr Wasley in the arm and stomach.

Mr Wasley's family have since paid tribute to their "much-loved son, big brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend".

"He was a happy 20-year-old living his best life, he had a beautiful smile, infectious laugh, a glint in his eye, and a very kind heart," they added.

"Luke is missed every second of every day and nothing will ever be enough to make up for his loss."

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