Man found guilty of north Derbyshire murder as three members of same family convicted

Bradley Ward was today convicted of the murder of Ricky Collins following a three-week trial at Derby Crown Court.

Police were called to Westthorpe Road, Killamarsh, on the evening of Monday, March 29 following reports that a man had been assaulted.

Ricky, from Sheffield, had suffered two serious stab wounds to his body and arm. He staggered down the road and collapsed.

The 31-year-old was taken to hospital but died just after midnight on Tuesday, March 30.

One of the wounds had cut through an artery.

During the trial it was heard how Ward had pulled up in a car alongside Ricky’s van, got out and stabbed him.

The 24-year-old, of Sheffield, pleaded not guilty to murder.

Martin Mongan, 45, of Pontefract, in West Yorkshire, and Ward’s parents David Ward, 44, and Kelly Ward, 43, who are also from Sheffield, all pleaded guilty to assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Sally Blaiklok, who led the investigation into Ricky’s death, said: “I would like to pass my sincere condolences to the family of Ricky; they have acted with dignity throughout a terrible period in their lives and throughout this trial.

"I hope that today’s result at court will bring some semblance of closure for them with regards to criminal justice. We understand this may be the first steps in them now being able to grieve as a family.

“I wish to thank our team of officers and the Crown Prosecution Service who together have delivered a first class response to the murder of Ricky Collins, and enabled the conviction of Bradley Ward and the others who helped him to try to evade justice.”

Sentencing is due to take place in January.

After the death, Ricky’s cousin, Bradley Beedham, said on Facebook: “My cousin, my brother, the man I looked up to as a kid.

“I love you Ricky, our family will never be the same without you. Give nannan a kiss for me.”

On our Facebook page, Natalie Rebecca posted: “RIP, what a crazy world we live in.”