Yesterday, Tuesday, 3rd October, three men were sentenced to a combined total of 60 years in prison following a violent incident that occurred on that night.
In a separate trial, Mikyle Bucknor (born 13/02/2004) from Mirfield, Kirklees, and Karmarni Batler (born 10/09/2002) from Belle Vue Crescent, Sheepridge, was found guilty of attempted murder. Additionally, Bucknor, Batler, and another individual, Harlan Richards (born 15/09/2003) from Trafalgar Close, Kirklees, were all convicted of possessing a firearm with the intent to endanger life.
Bucknor received a 25-year sentence for attempted murder (alongside concurrent sentences of 14 and nine years for firearms offences). Batler was handed a 24-year sentence for the attempted murder conviction (plus concurrent sentences of 12 and nine years for firearms offences), while Richards received an 11-year sentence for a firearms offence (with an additional eight-year concurrent sentence for further firearms offences).
The investigation, which entailed a thorough examination of CCTV footage and forensic analysis, revealed that two rival groups had travelled from Huddersfield to Moss Side. Members of one of these groups, namely Batler, Bucknor, and Richards, were all in possession of firearms. They approached the opposing Huddersfield group, which included individuals named Doughty and Crosfield. Bucknor discharged his firearm towards the rival group; fortunately, the bullet struck the ground and did not result in any injuries, despite the crowded public space. Subsequently, the rival group responded with knives, leading to the tragic killing of Javell Morgan by Crosfield and Doughty.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts still remain with Javell’s loved ones who have been devastated by his murder. We have been able to bring people from both groups to justice for this terrible act of violence. I hope Javell’s family can take some comfort from this.
“We have put violent people behind bars through our comprehensive enquiries and with assistance from West Yorkshire Police. These individuals had no regard for other people’s safety when they decided to set upon one another amongst a crowded group of young people in such a public setting.
“Caribbean Carnival is a key event, where Greater Manchester’s communities come together to celebrate diversity. GMP will not tolerate serious violent crime at this event or any other event and officers will continue to work with partner agencies to keep people safe at such events.”
Detective Chief Inspector Oliver Coates from Kirklees CID said; “We hope these long sentences send a strong message to people in Kirklees who think they can take part in these kind of dreadful acts of violence.
“Five men from Kirklees have now been sentenced for their part in the violence and them being behind bars is good news for the local community of Kirklees.
“My dedicated detectives from Kirklees Precision team have worked closely with colleagues at Greater Manchester Police to progress the investigation and the committed approach of all involved has resulted in these significant sentences.
“Serious organised gangs will not be tolerated on our streets and we will do everything in our power to make our streets safer.”
