Steven Cawthorn murder: Two found guilty of killing
VICTIM: Steven Cawthorn
By Rick Lyon
Two men have today been found guilty of killing Steven Cawthorn more than five years ago.
Steven, 35, was hit with pieces of wood and sticks outside a property on Leonard Street, off Beverley Road, Hull, on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
He was stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife as he tried to run away and continued to be attacked as he lay on the ground.
Steven died from his injuries in hospital that night.
Following a trial at Hull Crown Court, Barzan Sadoun, 45, of Hoxton Road, Scarborough, has now been found guilty of murder and violent disorder.
Seyid Moisawi, 46, of Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, was also found to have committed acts that led to Steven’s death. He had been ruled unfit to enter a plea or take part in the trial.
A third man, 34-year-old Urdi Taha, remains wanted for murder and violent disorder.
He is believed to have fled abroad immediately after the attack and Humberside Police are working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Foreign Office on his extradition.
KILLER: Barzan Sadoun
A fourth man, Christopher Young, 38, of HMP Leeds, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing.
Following today’s verdicts, Steven’s mum Sue said in a statement: “Stevie’s death has left a huge void in our lives.
“I have suffered the devastating loss of my son, his sisters have lost their brother and our family has been turned upside down by his murder.
“Since his murder in July 2017, we have all struggled with his death and without the support of my family and friends I honestly don’t know how I would have coped.
“Being suddenly thrust into the criminal justice system while grieving for your loved one is something I would not wish on anyone, but I want to thank everyone involved in the investigation as they have done everything they could to bring those responsible for Stevie’s death to justice.
“The trial has been very difficult for us all. It’s brought back a lot of pain and it’s been very difficult to hear the details of what happened to Stevie.
“I want to thank those courageous people who first helped Stevie as he lay critically injured. They were with him when I could not be and gave him comfort and help in his final hours.
“The staff who tried to save my Stevie’s life in hospital were true heroes too. They did everything they could to save his life and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for everything they did. They tried everything they could to save my son’s life.
UNFIT TO PLEAD: Seyid Moisawi
“Stevie loved the outdoors and was never happier than when he was playing football. He was hardworking and so practical, helping people whenever he could.
“We will miss him every day.”
Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “This incident understandably shocked the local community due to the level of violence displayed by all of those involved.
“Steven’s life shouldn’t have ended that day and the actions of those involved will never be forgotten by his loved ones.
“My team and I remain committed in our bid to get Steven’s family the justice they deserve with the outstanding suspect and I would like to thank them and the public who provided crucial evidence for our investigation for their dedication, assistance and support.
“I hope the verdict today serves as a stark warning to anyone who involves themselves in acts of violence, no matter their part, we can and will always endeavour to bring those responsible to justice and put them before a judge and jury.
“We would ask that if anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Urdi Taha that they contact Humberside Police or Crimestoppers in order to assist with the picture we are building in order for us to bring him back to face justice.”
Detective Sergeant Sam Cunnington added: “The court case and outcome has been a long time coming for Steven’s family and although I know they will never be able to make peace with what happened that day, I hope that this verdict will bring an end to the uncertainty.
“My thoughts remain with them through what has been an extremely difficult five years. They have been in court every day, have been a credit to Steven’s memory and have assisted the legal proceedings greatly.”
Sentencing is due to take place in early December.
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