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Seven people have been sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court for their involvement in 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.
Tommy West, aged 18 of Fisgard Road in Gosport, was jailed for life with a minimum tariff of 21 years at Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday 15 October, having previously pleaded guilty to murder, robbery and possession of a bladed article.
Aiden West, aged 25, of Tudor Close in Gosport, was also jailed for life with a minimum tariff of 28 years yesterday. Aiden had previously pleaded guilty to robbery, however he denied charges of murder and possession of a bladed article and the case went to trial on Tuesday 25 June this year.
On Friday 16 August, Aiden West was convicted of murder, however he was found not guilty of possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Joining Aiden West in the dock during his trial were 43-year-old Peter West and 64-year-old Michael Figgins, both of whom were tried for two charges each of assisting an offender, which both denied. West and Figgins were both found guilty by the jury of one count each, relating to assisting Tommy West.
Peter West, of Wimpson Lane in Southampton, has now been sentenced to two years in prison.
Figgins, of St Ann’s Crescent in Gosport, is next due to appear in court on Monday 11 November.
As part of the investigation into Levi’s murder, led by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Major Crime team, a further four people were charged with offences, which they all admitted at previous court hearings. The following individuals were sentenced for their involvement as follows:
In the lead up to Levi’s murder, on the evening of Thursday 23 November 2023, Aiden and Tommy West travelled to an address in James Close in a taxi paid for by Michael Figgins.
In the early hours of Friday, Tommy contacted Levi to arrange a drug deal, following which Tommy and Aiden both planned to rob Levi and take his drugs. Tommy and Aiden then left the address armed with knives, but the deal did not go ahead after Levi was spooked by their behaviour. A second deal was arranged, with Tommy and Aiden meeting Levi in Keyes Road where Tommy entered Levi’s car and stabbed him.
The attack caused Levi to accelerate the car which subsequently crashed into a wall on the opposite side of the road.
Levi exited the vehicle and ran, pursued by Tommy and Aiden. The prosecution case was that Tommy stabbed Levi several times – including in the chest and right thigh. Aiden was present and involved in the assault. The knife used in the attack was then thrown onto the roof of the nearby medical centre, before the pair returned to James Close where Tommy changed his clothes. During this time, Sarah Flynn put some of Tommy’s clothing in the bin.
The court heard that afterwards Tommy and Aiden’s mother, Joanne West, paid for them to take a taxi to Liam Savage’s address in Trinity Green, and that the pair were laughing and joking during the journey.
Later that day, the attackers were picked up by Tommy’s dad Peter West and another man – Michael Figgins – and driven to various locations - enabling Tommy to discard some clothing at a friend’s address in the process.
Peter then drove Tommy to a police station at 5pm that evening so he could hand himself in. Aiden was arrested the next day.
The remaining suspects were arrested in the days that followed for their involvement in assisting Tommy and Aiden, and Mark Phillips was arrested after providing a false statement to police regarding the taxi booking Joanne West made for her sons.
Following the sentencing, which concluded on Wednesday 16 October, Levi’s family said: “Today, we stand with heavy hearts as we reflect on the sentencing of the individuals responsible for the brutal murder of our beloved Levi. The court’s decision serves as a reminder of the profound loss we have endured.
“On the 24th November 2023, my son was cruelly taken from us in a cowardly act of violence that shattered our lives and our community. Levi was not just a victim, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a friend, and a source of joy for all who knew him. The pain of his loss has left an irreplaceable void in all of our lives, one that will never be filled.
“We remember him for his incredible ability to put a smile on everyone’s faces, his infectious laugh, his impressive dance moves, and his giant heart of pure gold.
“During this painful chapter in our lives, we would like to express our gratitude to the police, the prosecution team, especially Mr Haggan and Mr Elton, and everyone involved in bringing these individuals to justice. Their commitment and dedication ensured that the truth prevailed, and we are thankful for their efforts during this horrific time.
“Our family appreciates the love and support we have received from friends, family, and the community over these painful 11 months.
“While today’s sentencing is supposed to bring a sense of closure, we know that we will remain forever incomplete as a family. We are broken, and the pain that we feel is immeasurable. Knife crime has devastating life long effects, it doesn’t just end one persons life, it ends the lives of all those that loved them too.
“We will continue to honour Levis memory by cherishing the moments we shared with him, and by advocating for a safer community for everyone.
“Thank you all for your support”.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This was a complex investigation which sought to unravel the network of individuals involved in Levi’s senseless murder – ranging from the two people directly involved in the violent attack, to those who made efforts to assist the killers in evading capture, destroying evidence or seeking refuge.
“Words can’t describe the irreversible pain caused to Levi’s family and friends as a result of his death, and our thoughts remain with them.
“Tommy & Aiden West ambushed and violently attacked Levi, leaving him to die in the street. Their cruelty is another shocking reminder of the tragedy born out of carrying knives.
“Both individuals will now spend a lengthy period of time in prison because of this, and their associates have also been rightly brought to justice.”