Man receives life sentence for fatal pub stabbing

An individual has been given a life sentence following the fatal stabbing of another man outside a public house. William Cosier, aged 34, residing in Well Lane, Canterbury, was found guilty of murdering Adam Pritchard. The attack occurred in March outside the Queens Head pub, located in Boughton-under-Blean, close to Faversham, Kent. Mr. Cosier had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge; however, he was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court on 9 October. His sentencing took place on Friday, stipulating that he must serve a minimum term of 24 years. Mr. Cosier used a knife, which he had obtained from the pub kitchen, to kill Mr. Pritchard. The two men had engaged in a struggle outside the premises after an altercation inside the pub, during which they exchanged blows and Cosier lifted a bar stool over his head. According to police statements, Mr. Pritchard was carrying a BB gun, which he discharged in the direction of Cosier. Two individuals placed Mr. Pritchard into a car, intending to transport him to a hospital. Subsequently, they signaled a passing ambulance for assistance. Paramedics administered treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Detective Inspector Lee Neiles, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, commented: “Today’s sentencing will not bring Adam back, but I hope it offers some form of justice to his family, who have been left devastated by the events of that fateful night.” He added, “Cosier armed himself with a deadly weapon and instead of walking away from an altercation he used it to inflict fatal injuries which led to the death of a man with a young family.” Det Insp Neiles further stated: “Cosier is a violent man who chose to arm himself in order to cause as much injury as possible, despite Adam seen backing away several times.” He concluded, “He denied the charges and caused the family to endure a trial where they were subjected to listening to the full details and I’d like to commend their courage and dignity in how they conducted themselves throughout this case.”