A drug dealer was viciously stabbed to death by another dealer after a dispute over money.
Ben Hardwidge was stabbed 50 times in the head and body in a 'frenzied assault', and he was left for dead at the side of the road.
Despite the valiant efforts of members of the public and medical staff he died several hours later at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, from multiple stab wounds.
Lewis Cartwright, 18, had originally denied murder but yesterday at Chelmsford Crown Court changed his plea to guilty.
The court heard that the pair, each with a minder, met by arrangement on March 1, for Cartwright to hand over money he owed.
The two Essex drug dealers met at a deserted road at Duck End, Birchanger. A dispute arose between the two men as Mr Hardwidge was counting the money in the back of a Nissan car and violence erupted.
Judge Christopher Ball QC sentenced Cartwright to life imprisonment, and said he cannot be considered for parole before serving ten-and-a-half years.
Cartwright, a carpenter of Main Road, Ford End, Dunmow, had denied a further two charges inflicting grievous bodily harm on another man, Jeff Coward, of Bishops Stortford, and perverting the course of justice by destroying by fire a Nissan car belonging to Mr Hardwidge.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article