Man sentenced to 18 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old George Allison in Havant

A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the murder of 21-year-old George Allison in Havant.

George was found at an address on Tichborne Grove with a stab wound to his upper left shoulder shortly before 11pm on Saturday 23 May 2020.

On arrival, officers found George, of Havant, and a 28-year-old woman from Southsea with serious stab wounds.

Despite best efforts by emergency services, George was pronounced dead at the scene. The 28-year-old woman was taken to hospital for treatment and has since recovered from her injuries.

Following an investigation by Hampshire Constabulary, 26-year-old Kevin Batchelor was arrested and later charged with George’s murder.

He was also charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the injuries sustained by the woman.

Batchelor denied both charges against him and the case proceeded to trial at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 10 May this year.

On Friday 4 June, the jury convicted Batchelor of the murder of George and found him not guilty of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

Barry Martin Baker, 39, of Oracle Drive, Waterlooville and Hayley Jane Batchelor, 34, of Highwood Lawn, Havant were both found guilty of assisting an offender in connection with the case.

They are due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 2 July.

Following the sentencing, George’s sister Jade said: “We as George’s family are pleased with the outcome of Mr Batchelor’s sentencing today.

“We would like to take a moment to thank Ms Maylin of the prosecution for her outstanding work and support throughout the trial, her sterling knowledge of the law and her compassion for us as a family.

“Today, we as a family can now begin to grieve the loss of our George. We thank everyone for their love and support at this difficult time. George’s daughter Lola now has justice for her daddy.

“Lastly, we would like to thank the case officer and the police liaison officers who have been a credit to Hampshire Constabulary. We now ask that we have some privacy at this time.”

Detective Inspector Lee McClellan, Senior Investigating Officer for the case, said: “This was a tragic and senseless incident in which a young man has lost his life.

“I am pleased with the jury’s verdict and pleased that Batchelor will now spend a considerable length of time in prison for what he has done.

“Our thoughts remain with George’s friends, family and all those that knew him today.”