Stratford man gets minimum of 25 years in prison for stabbing murder in Oxford

A STRATFORD man has been given a life sentence for the murder of a 32-year-old in Oxford.

Ryan Byrne, 35, of Hathaway Green Lane, was today (Thursday) told he would have to serve a minimum term of 25 years and 162 days in prison following the fatal stabbing of Tobias Bruce in February.

Byrne and George Stephens, 28, of no fixed abode, were both convicted last week of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Stephens, also sentenced to life imprisonment, was given a minimum term of 22 and-a-half years at Oxford Crown Court.

Byrne, Stephens and another man had travelled to Oxford on 25th February to meet with Tobias, alongside two friends, to sell a Cartier watch and some jewellery.

The meeting, near College Lane, was cordial at first but following an inspection of the items, Tobias ran off with the jewellery.

He was pursued by Byrne and another man, before being stabbed five times - in the right side of his neck, cheek and right shoulder.

Tobias died in hospital three days later.

His friends were chased by Stephens, who stabbed one of them to the side.

Byrne tried to flee the country. On 2nd April, he boarded a ferry to the Netherlands but was refused entry and travelled back to the UK the following day. He was arrested on 4th April and was charged on 8th April.

Stephens was in prison for an unrelated offence when he was arrested on 11th April.

Senior investigating officer with Thames Valley Police, Det Insp Stuart May, said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my sympathies to the families of Tobias Bruce and his friend who was injured on 25th February. They have been patient and dignified as this investigation and court process has progressed, and no family should have to go through this pain.

“This was a complex investigation, and through diligent investigative work, we were able to identify the men involved in the murder of Tobias Bruce and who will now spend a significant time behind bars.

“We are continuing our investigation to locate a third man, Theodore Mullings-Fairweather who remains outstanding in connection with this investigation. We are steadfast in our efforts to secure his return to put him before the courts.”

He added: “Violence destroys lives and we will always work with communities and partners to bring offenders to justice and keep society safe.”