Newcastle teenager cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter

Mohammed Rabani, 19, attacked Nathaniel Wardle in front of the victim’s young son, shortly after 2pm on Monday June 20, last year.

Mr Wardle, 43, who was known to his loved ones as Natty, was found with stab wounds outside his home on St Hilda’s Avenue, Holy Cross, Wallsend, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The subsequent investigation by police, including extensive CCTV examination, house-to-house and forensic inquiries, led to the arrest of Rabani and two other males, 18-year-old Robbie Battista and a 17-year-old alleged accomplice, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Read more: Wallsend murder investigation: Three teenagers arrested

Rabani, who was 18 at the time at the time of the incident, and Battista, who was 17 at the time, were each later charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.

The third male, who was 17 at the time, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Rabani and Battista pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted the charge of possessing a bladed article ahead of trial.

The third male denied all charges against him.

During a seven-week-trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury heard how Rabani, Battista and the third male attended the home address of Mr Wardle.

Rabani attacked him with a knife before the trio fled the scene.

At the conclusion of the trial, this afternoon (Monday January 9), Rabani, of Weldon Crescent, Heaton, Newcastle, was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.

He was remanded in custody and is to be sentenced before the same court at a later date.

Battista, of Holystone Crescent, Heaton, was found not guilty of murder or manslaughter.

He was also remanded in custody and also faces sentencing at a later date for possessing a bladed article.

The third male was cleared of all charges.

Read more: Wallsend murder investigation: Man is charged

Speaking after the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Louise Jenkins said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Nathaniel’s loved ones following his tragic death and they will continue to receive specialist support from our officers.

“I want to make it clear, that there are no winners where knife crime or serious violence is concerned, and we will continue to take robust action against those found to be involved.

“As a force we are committed to tackling violent crime and by working with partners we will continue to play our part in ensuring the region remains one of the safest in the country.”

In a statement, Mr Wardle’s family said: “Our hearts remain broken.

“Natty was an incredible father who loved spending time with his kids, so having our first Christmas and New Year without him has been unimaginably difficult.

Read next:

               Wallsend fatal assault: Man appears in court charged with murder

               Wallsend murder: Two more teens, 17, charged with murder of Nathaniel Wardle

               Wallsend murder: Tributes paid to Nathaniel Wardle who died after alleged attack

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“Not only has the loss been felt as we have been together as a family but having the ordeal of a trial during this time has only added to the pain we’ve felt.

“We also find comfort in knowing those who knew Natty can remember the funny and generous man he was and smile.

“He will be greatly missed but will still always be a part of our lives through his children who he loved so much.”