Knifeman Kills 20-Year-Old After Being Chased in Forest of Dean
A tragic incident in the Forest of Dean led to the death of a young man, with a knifeman pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Forest of Dean, Luke Wasley, Neil Woodley, Manslaughter, Coleford, UK
Coleford: A shocking event unfolded in the Forest of Dean when a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed. Neil Woodley, 50, admitted to manslaughter after the incident involving Luke Wasley.
It all started on June 13, 2023, when Luke and his friends were hanging out at a flat. They spotted Woodley walking by and decided to follow him, shouting as they went. Things escalated quickly.
One of Luke’s friends hit Woodley, who then pulled out a knife. The group backed off but later found him again and chased him down the street. It was a chaotic scene.
Woodley tried to call the police, but his phone was knocked away. In the scuffle, he ended up stabbing Luke in the arm and stomach. Despite emergency help, Luke sadly passed away shortly after.
In court, Woodley claimed he was scared and just wanted to defend himself. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone, he said, but wanted to show he was armed to scare them off.
Initially charged with murder, Woodley later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The judge pointed out that carrying a knife was a dangerous choice, and Woodley was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Luke’s family expressed their heartbreak, remembering him as a joyful young man with a bright smile. They thanked everyone who helped him in his final moments and the authorities for their support.