Man jailed for assisting an offender following the murder of Levi Kent in Gosport

A man has been jailed for assisting an offender, following an investigation into the murder of Levi Kent in Gosport.

Police were called to Keyes Road in Bridgemary at 2.32am on Friday 24 November 2023, where 22-year-old Levi had been assaulted by half-brothers Tommy and Aiden West. Levi’s injuries included six stab wounds inflicted by Tommy. Levi subsequently died from his injuries.

As part of the investigation, 64-year-old Michael Figgins was charged with two counts of assisting an offender. However, he was found guilty on one count only, relating to assisting Tommy West, on 16 August this year following a trial at Portsmouth Crown Court. 

Appearing at the same court today (Friday 20 December), Figgins, of St Ann’s Crescent in Gosport, was sentenced to two years in prison.

Seven other people were sentenced in October this year as part of their involvement in Levi’s murder, and the events thereafter.

• Tommy West, aged 19, of Fisgard Road in Gosport, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years, having previously pleaded guilty to murder, robbery and possession of a bladed article.
• Aiden West, aged 25, of Tudor Close in Gosport, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years, having previously pleaded guilty to robbery, and having been convicted by a jury of murder.
• Peter West, aged 43, of Wimpson Lane in Southampton, was jailed for two years after being found guilty by a jury of assisting an offender, namely Tommy West.
• Sarah Flynn, aged 36, of James Close in Gosport, was jailed for one year after pleading guilty to two counts of assisting an offender.
• Joanne West, aged 46, of no fixed abode, was jailed for one year and three months after pleading guilty to two counts of assisting an offender.
• Liam Savage, aged 38, of Trinity Green in Gosport, was jailed for one year after pleading guilty to two counts of assisting an offender.
• Mark Phillips, aged 57, of Gilbert Close in Gosport, was sentenced to a suspended sentence of six months after pleading guilty to one count of perverting the course of justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The sentencing of Michael Figgins now brings this case to a close, with eight people convicted and sentenced for the roles they played in Levi’s murder.

“Officers worked diligently to secure justice for Levi’s family, by ensuring that not only were the two people directly responsible for Levi’s death convicted, but also the network of other individuals who made efforts to assist the killers in evading capture, destroy evidence or seek refuge.

“Levi’s family have suffered immensely as a result of this tragedy, and I hope the conclusion of this case will now allow them to move forward. My thoughts remain with them and all who knew Levi.”