Man handed life sentence for murdering Bulwell teenager

A man who stabbed a teenager through the heart during a fight in the city has today been sentenced to life in prison.
Richard JohnsonRichard Johnson
Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson (24) of Belton Street, Hyson Green, was found guilty yesterday of the murder of Joshua Bradley (19) following a three-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

He was told today, Wednesday 15th July, that he will serve at least 25 years behind bars.

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The court had heard how Joshua died after coming to the aid of his friend who had been assaulted during a fight in Thurland Street, just before 4am on Sunday 8 February 2015.

He sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Speaking after the verdict, Det Supt Kate Meynell, who led the investigation into Joshua’s murder, said: “This was a wholly unnecessary death of a young man in the prime of his life. Johnson purposefully took out a knife into the city centre, and brandished it when the fight broke out in a state of bravado.

“Joshua, who was an accomplished boxer, went to help a friend who was being assaulted but tragically ended up losing his life.

“There were several people involved in that fight that night, and Johnson’s use of the knife on Joshua resulted in fatal consequences. Carrying knives can never have a positive outcome. Someone will end up seriously hurt, or like this case, losing their life.

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“For Joshua’s family and friends, that night changed everything. They will never see Joshua again, they didn’t get a chance to say goodbye and now have to try to go on without him. My thoughts are with them today, as they continue to deal with the devastation caused.”

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