Two teenagers have been sentenced to a total of 31 years for the murder of Swindon teenager Owen Dunn.
18-year-old Tyler Hunt has been jailed for a minimum of 19 years
Tyler Hunt, 18, of Park South, was today (05/01) sentenced to a minimum term of 19 years in prison at Bristol Crown Court.
A 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
They were both found guilty of killing Owen following a trial in November by a unanimous jury decision.
18-year-old Owen died after being fatally stabbed on December 4, 2022 in Mazurek Way, Swindon. It's believed he was cycling to see his girlfriend, and was also carrying a weapon, which was later found by paramedics.
The jury was shown CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage which showed Hunt (who was 17 at the time) and the 15-year-old (then 14) travelling on e-bikes to the scene where the attack happened.
In a victim impact statement, Owen's family said: "On the 4th December 2022, our lives as a family changed forever. We lost a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a friend.
"We mourn the loss of witnessing his (Owen's) milestones, turning 21, 30, 50, getting married, experiencing parenthood or gaining his independence. Owen will never see his brother start a family, his mum reach 50 or have a drink with his cousin for his 18th. His absence during his own 20th birthday, Christmas, and his father’s 50th celebration intensifies our heartache.
"Owen was a beloved figure in the Penhill community in Swindon, cherished by his close-knit group of friends who considered him family. He found immense joy in the company of loved ones, friends, and his cherished dog, Jazz. Owen had an incredible knack for bringing smiles to people's faces and was a dependable, friendly confidant. Throughout his childhood, he enjoyed laughter, mischief, and countless treasured moments shared with his diverse group of friends, some of whom he had known for over a decade. Owen is greatly missed by each and every one of our family and also by his friends. He has left a huge hole in our lives but his memory will live on.
"Our house is quiet, the absence of Owen’s laughter and smiles echoes through our home. We await his return, only to face the heart-breaking reality that he will not be coming home and having to bid him a final farewell. We can no longer hear Owen’s laugh in person, only through videos, and we can no longer see his smile, only in photos.
"The travelling to and from Bristol to attend court, taking days unpaid at work or having to make up extra time elsewhere during our workdays and waiting nearly a year to get justice for Owen has taken a toll on the whole family’s mental health. Sitting through the trial which lasted almost 3 weeks was incredibly painful. Having to hear what happened to Owen over and over again was extremely difficult to listen to. But justice prevailed and a guilty verdict was made.
"Owen’s death has deeply affected many people. In response, his family and close friends formed the charity ‘Owen's World’. Our goals include raising awareness around knife crime, providing support, and igniting inspiration in others, fostering active participation in building a more promising and secure future for all.
"In the face of adversity, an opportunity for positive change arises, and Owen's memory perseveres through the unwavering efforts of his family and friends. Together, we are devoted to creating a safer community and addressing the challenges young people face today, including the pressing issue of knife crime. In our collective grief, we hold on to the hope of “Owen’s World,” ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts of many."
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: "This case was shocking and challenging for everyone involved. We've got young people including Owen, who lost his life, young offenders who now have to serve life imprisonment, and we've got young witnesses, who have seen things that most of us have never seen before. I'd like to thank them for the bravery that they showed engaging with us.
"This case is a sobering example of the real dangers of young people carrying knives. Sadly we are seeing a lot of cases involving young people picking them up. A lot of them tell us they do it to defend themselves, but if you're already thinking about it in that way you're already thinking about using the knife, that's where the danger lies. If you then use it you risk killing someone or causing serious injury."
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay my respects to Owen’s family who have conducted themselves with the utmost dignity during the trial and for the work they're now trying to do to encourage young people to put knives down. Once again I wish to express my sincere condolences to all of Owen’s family and friends."
The convictions came after hundreds of hours of CCTV, doorbell and dash cam footage was sent to police following media appeals.
Watch an interview with Detective Sergeant Lou Kuklinski.mp4
Detective Sergeant Lou Kuklinski said: "The public probably see lots of appeals from the police for things like dash cam footage and CCTV but I don't think we can ever put into words, in a case like this, how important it is for people to be willing to provide us with that material and that information.
"The information we would obtain from an eye witness would point us to the next CCTV camera, and this meant we were able to track these two suspects from what we think was a starting point to the scene and then back again.
"I'd urge the public to help us with these investigations and help us gather crucial evidence that helps to obtain convictions for these victims and their families.
"There is no justification in my view for taking a knife out into the public, onto the streets, into our communities. I feel concerned that we hear young people telling us that they are carrying a knife for their own safety because they are in fear so what I urge them to do is talk to somebody, whether that be a family member, a close friend, a teacher, about why you are in fear and why you feel the need to carry a knife. There has to be steps that can be taken and things that can be done before we get to a point where young people are feeling the necessity as standard to go out and carry a knife on the street."
Statistics show that if you carry a knife or weapon then you are more likely to end up being hurt. You can be seen as threatening. You might also end up being hurt by your own weapon. It is also illegal to carry knives and other weapons.
Superintendent Guy Elkins, hub commander for Swindon said: “The murder of Owen is a tragic incident and I appreciate the significant amount of distress and concern it has caused across our communities in Swindon.
“It is incidents like these which highlight how vital it is that people, particularly our young people, are aware of the dangers of carrying knives and consider that carrying a bladed article on our streets is unacceptable.
“As we have seen, the consequences of carrying a knife can be lifelong.
“Please be reassured that we are utilising various methods to address it. Among these are the Blunt Truth sessions which are being delivered in schools to children which outline what they should do if someone they know is carrying a knife, and, most importantly, how to report it.
“The sessions also emphasise that support is available for them, including those who may be considering carrying a knife, if they need somebody to talk to.
“Four permanent knife surrender bins are also available for those who wish to anonymously hand in any weapons they’re carrying, and we continue to work with our partners to identify and discuss individuals either involved or suspected of being involved in weapons carrying.
“Actions are then put in place for diversion and long-term intervention.”
You can find more information about what to do if you need help, or someone you know needs help here: Stop knife crime | Wiltshire Police
If you feel unable to talk to the police, you could contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. (You don't have to give your name and your call will not be traced).
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