by These are the faces of killers Jake Hill and Tia Taylor after they were sentenced for their involvement in the death of a much-loved rugby player. Michael Riddiough-Allen, 32, suffered fatal wounds as he “tried to protect those around him” outside a nightclub in Bodmin in April last year.
Jake Hill, 25, Tia Taylor, 22, and Chelsea Powell, 22, all from the Bodmin area, were facing charges over the incident. All three were convicted on March 18 following a six-week trial held at Truro Crown Court – and were sentenced today (Friday, April 12).
Hill stabbed five people in a 20- to 30-second rampage outside the nightclub with a sharp, serrated hunting knife he had hidden in a nearby hedge before entering the club that night. Taylor repeatedly assaulted the deceased as he lay defenseless on the ground and subsequently lied to the police.
READ MORE: All three were sentenced to 31 years for the death of Michael Riddiough-Allen
READ MORE: The knife rampage that changed so many lives in 30 seconds
Last month a jury found Hill guilty of murder and guilty of four counts of wounding with intent. Taylor initially denied the charges and changed her plea to guilty of perverting the course of justice and manslaughter part way through the trial.
Powell was found not guilty of murder and not guilty of manslaughter but guilty of perverting the course of justice by the jury. Between them they were sentenced to a combined 31 years in prison, while Hill was sentenced to life.
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He was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years before he was eligible for parole, reduced to 27 years and 18 days in prison taking into account the time he had already spent in custody. He will remain on license for the rest of his life if released.
Taylor was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement. She will serve half of that and be released on licence.
Powell was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The judge ordered that she should also serve half of that sentence and because she was on probation for nine months, she was immediately released.
On Hill, High Court Judge, the Honorable Mrs Justice Cutts, said in her sentencing remarks: “You showed no remorse then and you have shown no remorse since. The long period of time you were giving evidence at your trial . showed no remorse on your part.”
Speaking about Taylor and Powell she said they showed genuine remorse and did not believe Taylor knew Hill had a knife when she was involved in the attack. She said that rather than being “horrified” by Hill’s actions, however, she told Hill that he should have “predicted the knife” before reporting to police and saying that it was not at her house. Moments later her child exposed her for this lie.
“When you left the house with your two very young children you told the police that Tia Taylor was not there,” she continued. “Your dishonesty has not set a good example for your children. It would be good if they were more honest than their mother.”
She said: “You are clearly ashamed of your behavior and I accept that you are truly remorseful. You clearly have potential and have made the most of your time in custody, working and study.”
The six-week trial, which ended last month, heard that Mr Riddiough-Allen, who suffered a “non-life threatening” knife wound inflicted by Hill, was the fifth person to be stabbed in the “knife rampage”. The much-loved rugby player was unarmed and trying to separate the various fighting groups when he was fatally wounded.
Taylor hit the deceased repeatedly in the head as he lay on the road in a defensive position. Taylor initially denied the charges against her but later admitted her involvement in the trial, changing her pleas to guilty part way through.
Passing sentence, the Honorable Judge Cutts rejected Jake Hill’s reasons for carrying the knife, saying “experience shows that those who carry them are quick to use them”, but that “there is no justification for carrying weapons in a public place”.
She told Hill that he had no reason to carry a knife, let alone one as dangerous as this one, and that he “liked the image of being a tough guy” and showed “no remorse” and “no regret”.
Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Michael Riddiough-Allen tried to protect those around him and disarm a man who felt the need to carry a knife . In doing so, he tragically lost his life.
“This case shows the destruction and irreversible damage that carrying and using a knife can cause. Nothing good can come of it.
“This was an extremely complex and challenging investigation. I would like to thank the investigative team for their tireless commitment to bring the offenders to justice.
“I would also like to thank the family of Michael Riddiough-Allen and the surviving victims. They supported our investigation through the most challenging times and I commend them for the strength and courage they showed.
“I hope that the sentences handed down by the judge and the conclusion of this case will bring them to an end.”
