Worthing man who stabbed friend to death jailed for life (From The Argus)

Worthing man who stabbed friend to death jailed for life

2:27pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(11)

A man who stabbed his friend to death during an argument has been found guilty of murder.

Kai Orgles, 19, used a knife to stab 26-year-old Syden Pearson five times in the chest and back before running from the scene.

Yesterday at Lewes Crown Court, Orgles was sentenced to life imprisonment. He must serve a minimum sentence of 15 years before he is eligible for parole.

Mr Pearson, from Worthing, and a friend bumped into Orgles and two friends as they left Tesco, near Shelby Road.

The group went back to Shelby Road but the home owner asked Orgles and his friends to leave. An argument broke out but they eventually left.

As Mr Pearson stood on the driveway outside the property, Orgles, of Moore Close, Worthing, ran towards him, punching him several times.

It was only once Orgles had fled the scene that the others realised Mr Pearson had been stabbed and had serious injuries.

The ambulance and Sussex Police were called but despite their best efforts to resuscitate Mr Pearson, he was pronounced dead on arrival at Worthing Hospital.

Following the verdict, Mr Pearson's family released a statement which said that despite having much personal tragedy in his life, he believed life was for living and always had a smile on his face.

The family added: “He was always willing to help a friend and share the little he had.

“Syden had many good friends – perhaps more than he realised – and his family are grateful to them for their offers of support together with the kind words and fond recollections they have of Syden.

“We have an immense debt of gratitude to all those witnesses who have come forward and given evidence during the trial. This took a great deal of courage and we are truly grateful to them all.

“We are also grateful to the police for all their support during this difficult time. Our heartfelt thanks go to those officers who administered first aid to Syden on the night and to all those involved in the subsequent investigation.

“Those who carry knives and are prepared to use them need to know that to do so will result in a long prison sentence.”

They said Orgles' sentence was about justice, not revenge, and that the senseless killing of a young man was not just a crime against him and his family but a crime against the whole of society which could not go unpunished.

Chief Inspector Howard Hodges, District Commander for Worthing, said: “Once again it brings the issue of knives, alcohol and public place violent crime to the fore.

“Orgles claimed he had the knife on him for self-defence, but that night he used it to take the life of someone else. There was no motive and no thoughts of the consequences of his actions.

“We will continue to work with the public and partners alike to tackle this type of offence and to eradicate – as far as possible – the threat of public place violent crime.”