12 March 2024 , 20:51
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Three men have been found guilty of murder after a teenage boy who dared to stand up to an estate’s drugs kingpin was stabbed to death.
Callum Riley, 17, was lured to the family home of a drug dealer who he had become embroiled in a feud with, prosecutors said. Hours earlier, Tony Adams had smashed the windows of Callum's home, where he lived with his mother and siblings.
Fuelled by anger, Callum and a friend both went to Adams' home in Heywood, Greater Manchester, armed with glass bottles and began launching them at his property, in the early hours of September 17, 2022. In an ensuing fright, Callum and his friend were both stabbed. Callum was able to stagger away but collapsed and died shortly after. His pal survived.
The court heard Callum and Adams had become involved in a row which began months earlier, when he had bought £180 of cannabis from him and failed to repay the debt. A tit-for-tat feud broke out which ended with Callum’s murder. His mum Tracy Marsland said she blamed Adams for her son’s death.
She previously told the Manchester Evening News how she had said goodbye to Callum on the night he died, before he went for a night out with some friends. She said: “His last words were 'I love you mum' with that beautiful smile. I said 'have a good night and be careful'. I always said that to him. Off he went and I didn't see him again.
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Tony Adams, 34, has been found guilty of murder (MEN Media)
Callum was described as "caring and kind" by his mother (MEN Media)"Callum was extremely popular. I don't think you'll find anybody in Heywood who hasn't got something nice to say about him. He had a lovely heart and was fun and loving. He was good with me, caring and kind. He was a beautiful soul. I love him millions and miss him immeasurably."
Prosecutors charged three men with murder. Dale Heywood, 26, Adams' friend who had been called to his home to act as backup, was 'probably' the man who stabbed Callum, prosecutors argued at Manchester Crown Court. He claimed to have blacked out after being hit on the head with a bottle, only to be later told by Adams he'd stabbed someone. Adams, 34, was also charged with murder.
He admitted arming himself with a baseball bat as the men arrived at his home, but claimed he had been acting in self defence. Adams’ son Niall Conaghan, 18, was also accused and denied the charge.
Following a trial, the trio were all found guilty of murder. Adams' partner Michelle Conaghan, 35, and their daughter Niomi Conaghan, 19, were also on trial accused of assisting an offender.
It was alleged they had tried to 'cover up’ the crime by cleaning the area near their front door of blood and glass. Jurors found Michelle Conaghan guilty, and Niomi Conaghan not guilty.
Adams Niall Conaghan and Heywood were all found guilty of murder and guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the stabbing of Mr Riley's friend.
Heywood and Niall Conaghan were also found guilty of criminal damage. Adams had previously admitted this offence. Niall Conaghan had previously been on bail but was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
Michelle Conaghan, of Minshull New Road, Crewe, was granted bail. Niomi Conaghan, of the same address, was discharged from the dock. A date for sentencing has not yet been fixed.