Kieran Williams trial: Closing speeches in Sunderland murder case

Louis Hackett, 20, and 19-year-old Ben Cook are alleged to have lured Kieran Williams to a secluded spot on former industrial land, known locally as ‘Clatchy’, on the southern bank of the River Wear, in Sunderland, where he was stabbed to death, and buried in a possibly pre-dug grave, on April 18, Easter Monday, last year.

It was more than five weeks later that the burial site, covered with branches and other foliage, was discovered by a police dog handler and, following forensic and pathological examination, it was confirmed the body within the grave was that of 18-year-old Mr Williams and that the cause of death was blood loss caused by multiple stabbing.

The trial jury at Newcastle Crown Court has heard that attempts were made to set the body alight, probably after it was placed in the grave, but the flames did not take hold beyond an area of clothing.

Read more: Trial starts of Sunderland pair accused of murder of Kieran Williams

Both defendants denied knowledge of Mr Williams’ whereabouts during lengthy police missing person inquiries, but after the grave was discovered and forensically examined, fingerprints linked to Mr Hackett were found on clods of clay within the makeshift grave.

He then changed his story to police and admitted being present at the killing but claimed Mr Cook was the “stabber” and he (Mr Hackett) only helped to fill in the grave, for fear of being attacked himself.

Mr Cook gave a conflicting account, saying Mr Hackett carried out the stabbing, and, in shock he said nothing as he feared he may be attacked himself.

In his closing address to the jury, prosecuting counsel, David Lamb KC, said it is the Crown’s case that the defendants were, “working as a team”, in carrying out the killing.

“This a classic joint enterprise as, where two connected people shared the common purpose of killing Kieran and where both was influenced and encouraged by what the other one did and said.

“The evidence shows both were involved by at least April 16, last year.”

Mr Lamb said they made “carefully arranged plans” to lure the victim to the, “secluded and remote location”, where the assault was, “violently executed.”

He added that the pair were, “literally hand in glove” with each other and both took part.

“It’s clear both participated in a joint enterprise, a savage and brutal attack which ended with young Kieran being killed.

“And, accordingly, both defendants are guilty.”

But Toby Hedworth, for Mr Hackett, said there was no evidence to say his client carried out the killing, or was a willing participant, other than assisting in backfilling the grave.

“We submit that this killing has all the hallmarks of a cold, calculated, almost professional killing.”

Read more: Kieran Williams killing: Sunderland murder accused evidence concludes

Addressing the jury, Mr Hedworth said: “Standing back, ladies and gentlemen, do you think you have heard even approaching the truth in this case?

“Do you think we have been provided by the prosecution or even by the defendants, anything approaching the whole picture of what went on before, at the time of, or even after the dreadful killing of Kieran?

“Do you think we will ever know?”

“We’ll not from these two.

“Ultimately, it’s our task on Louis Hackett’s behalf, to point to the view that you can’t say for sure either that he killed Kieran Williams or was even a willing party to that killing.

“We will submit there’s so much uncertainty over what happened at 'Clatchy' that evening, that in Louise Hackett’s case, you can say he’s guilty of the gravest crime out criminal justice system knows.”

Mr Hedworth added: “You have to consider the real possibility that other forces were at work and these two defendants are too afraid to say so.

“Something must have happened or been said in the lead up to April 18 that turned apparent friendship into murder.

“There must have been some back story,” added Mr Hedworth.

Read next:

               Kieran Williams murder: Evidence of one of accused Sunderland killers

               Pathologist gives evidence in trial of Sunderland murder accused duo

               Phone evidence outlined to trial jury over death of Sunderland teen

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Caroline Goodwin KC, for Ben Cook, will give her closing speech to the jury on Tuesday (January 31).

It will be followed by the summing up of evidence in the trial and an outline of the law, as it applies in the case, by the judge, Mr Justice Robert Jay.

Proceeding.