Man, 25, who stabbed hero rugby player, 32, to death during knife rampage outside Cornwall nightclub is jailed for life
A NIGHTCLUB reveller who murdered a rugby player and injured four other people with a knife has been jailed for life.
Jake Hill, 25, stabbed five people in around 20 seconds outside the Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin, Cornwall, with a serrated hunting knife that he had hidden in a nearby hedge.
Michael Riddiough-Allen, 32, who was the fifth person to be stabbed, suffered a fatal wound to his abdomen while trying to intervene and died at the scene.
Mrs Justice Cutts told Hill that the death of Mr Riddiough-Allen and the injuries caused to four others in the early hours of April 30 last year were due to Hill's decision to carry a knife that night.
She paid tribute to Mr Riddiough-Allen, who had intervened to prevent Hill from injuring others, as a "man of exceptional qualities".
The judge sentenced Hill to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of Mr Riddiough-Allen and four counts of Section 18 wounding with intent.
Tia Taylor, 22, who attacked Mr Riddiough-Allen as he lay injured on the ground, received a three-year prison sentence for manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.
Chelsea Powell, 23, was jailed for 15 months for perverting the course of justice by lying to police following the incident.
Hill, Taylor and Powell went to the Eclipse nightclub on an impromptu night out on 29 April 2023.
Hill was carrying a tactical Kombat knife with him and, knowing he would be searched by security at the club, hid it in a hedge nearby.
Michael was also at the nightclub celebrating at his rugby team's end of season party with friends.
When the club closed at around 3am on 30 April, people began to make their way outside where a fight broke out and was growing as the club emptied.
CCTV cameras captured Hill running across the road and hunting around in a hedge trying to find his knife.
He then ran straight into the mele, with Taylor and Powell following behind.
A short time later shouts of 'I've been stabbed' were heard and bleeding victims ran for help.
Michael stepped in to try and disarm Hill but, in his efforts, was attacked by Taylor.
Her actions left Michael unable to get away or protect himself as Hill inflicted the fatal wound.
Michael collapsed to the floor and was given first-aid by friends and emergency services, however, he tragically died at the scene.
Killer tried to dispose the murder weapon The three defendants left the scene and made their way back to Taylor's house where Hill tried to flush the knife down the toilet. When that failed, he stashed it in a kitchen vent.
Armed officers surrounded the house at around 6.30am and called out for the occupants to come out.
Taylor appeared, carrying her two young children, and was asked by the officers if there was anyone else inside.
She repeatedly denied that there was and said that 'everyone had left'. However, one of her children told an officer that Hill was in the loft.
Police body-worn video captured the moment the loft hatch opened abruptly with Hill falling onto the landing before he was swiftly arrested.
'SELF-DEFENCE'
In interview, Hill told police that he had acted in self-defence because he had been punched and said, 'lots of people piled on top of me'.
He told the court he had been unaware of the damage he had caused or that a knife could inflict such injuries.
As the investigation progressed, Major Crime Investigation Team detectives reviewed hours of CCTV footage where they identified that Taylor and Powell had been with Hill on the night.
Both lied to police in efforts to distract the investigation by providing false information.
On 19 June 2023, Taylor and Powell were initially arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody. They were later charged and denied the offences.
During the trial, Taylor pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.
The jury found Powell guilty of perverting the course of justice. She was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.
Hill was found not guilty of one count of wounding with intent.
Judge says murderer showed no regret On sentencing, Her Honour Mrs Justice Cutts rejected Jake Hill's reasons for carrying the knife, saying that 'experience shows that those who carry them are quick to use them', but that there is 'no justifications for carrying a weapon in a public place'.
She told Hill, 'You had no reason to be carrying such a knife' and 'you liked the image of being a hardman'.
She did not accept that self defence formed any part of his actions that night.
Hill, she said, showed not 'one shred of remorse' and that during his evidence she 'detected absolutely no regret'.
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, from Devon & Cornwall Police's the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Michael Riddiough-Allen tried to protect those around him and disarm a man who felt the need to carry a knife.
"In doing so, he tragically he lost his life.
"This case highlights the devastation and irreversible damage that carrying and using a knife can cause. No good can come from it.
"This was an incredibly complex and challenging investigation. I would like to thank the investigation team for their tireless dedication to bringing the offenders to justice.
"I'd also like to thank the family of Michael Riddiough-Allen and the surviving victims. They have supported our investigation through the most challenging of times and I commend them for the strength and courage they have shown.
"I hope that the sentences imposed by the judge and the conclusion of this case brings them some closure."
At the time of his death Michael's family described him as a "much-loved son, brother, grandson, and uncle who loved his dogs."
Bodmin Rugby Club, where Michael played the sport, added: "It is with great sadness that we can now announce the passing of our player and friend Mike Allen.
"Mike came to the club earlier this season and quickly became a big part of our squad.
"His humour and kindness has left a mark on us all and we will miss him dearly.
"Our thoughts are with Mike's family at this devastating time.
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"There is a memorial set up outside the rugby club where people are welcome to come to pay their respects and lay flowers.
