Man receives 23-year sentence for fatal stabbing

Brandon Thompson, 23, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the murder of another man in what was described as a “cowardly” attack. Prosecutors stated that Kamil Milczarczyk, 24, was enjoying an evening with friends in Hull city centre on March 24, 2023, when he was fatally stabbed in the chest by Thompson following a significant altercation on Princes Dock Street, resulting in “catastrophic” blood loss. Thompson, a resident of Clanthorpe, Hull, had pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but was convicted last month. He had previously admitted to a charge of violent disorder. Ten other individuals, including a former Hull FC academy player, were also sentenced at Hull Crown Court. All were acquitted of manslaughter but had pleaded guilty to violent disorder. During sentencing, Judge John Thackray KC stated that Mr. Milczarczyk had “posed no threat.” He added, “Unlike some of his friends, he was entirely innocent in all of this from beginning to end. It was a wicked and cowardly act.” Mr. Milczarczyk died in hospital after being fatally stabbed by Thompson and then kicked and punched 11 times by another man, Harry Price. He was discovered lying in the street just before 23:30 GMT and, despite being transported to a medical facility, later passed away. Earlier that night, Corey Burrows, Jack Briggs, and Safwan Sharif had an “innocuous” encounter with several of Mr. Milczarczyk’s friends at Silver’s Bar on Silver Street. A confrontation with the group subsequently occurred outside, leading Briggs to contact Henri Hairsine. Hairsine then mobilized the rest of the group, with Thompson retrieving a kitchen knife from a rented apartment, to exact “revenge,” the court heard. The group later approached Mr. Milczarczyk’s companions and assaulted the 24-year-old. Following the stabbing, surveillance footage captured the suspects fleeing the scene, with some entering a property on Grimston Street before departing in multiple vehicles. Thompson was recorded by CCTV holding a knife during the assault and was later seen disposing of it in the water surrounding Princes Quay shopping centre. The prosecution revealed that the defendants were part of a Snapchat group chat named “Oysters,” in which Harry Price provided “almost a running commentary to the others as to the police activity.” Approximately an hour after the stabbing, another defendant, Andrew Smith, sent a series of messages to the group, stating: “Bro, can’t let all the boys get locked up for that.” Thompson responded to this message with: “We’re all going to get locked up no matter what.” In court, Mr. Milczarczyk’s family read a statement describing him as “a wonderful person. He infected everyone with his smile and positive attitude to life.” The statement continued, “Since my brother was brutally murdered, my life has become unrecognisable. “I have lost not only my brother but also my best friend and a pillar of support in my life. “His loss has left an indelible mark on all of us, which we will feel for the rest of our lives.” The family honored him as “an honest, kind and respectful” brother, concluding by displaying photographs of him in the courtroom. The additional sentences handed down at Hull Crown Court included: