Jailed for life for the murder of Joe O'Brien in Failsworth

Momodou Jallow, of Ashley Lane, Moston has been sentenced to life and will serve a minimum of 22 years in prison after fatally stabbing Mr O’Brien, 24, during a large fight on outside the Royal Oak pub in Oldham Road in the early hours of Sunday, April 21.

The jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Jallow guilty of murder and possession of a knife.

The court heard how the one stab wound inflicted on 24-year-old Joe was so significant it was enough to kill him.

Daniel Kamara, 22, of Beswick Drive, Failsworth also stood trial in relation to the incident and was found guilty of the manslaughter of Joe O’Brien and a section 20 assault of a 21-year-old man and has received an 11-year sentence, at least half of which will be served in custody.

At around 3am on April 21 a fight broke out initially on Oldham Road before proceeding to Pole Lane. The fight involving the group of men – some of whom had knives – resulted in a 21-year-old man suffering multiple stab wounds.

The fighting then continued on to Oldham Road.

During the incident, Mr O’Brien and two of his friends arrived on Oldham Road in their car after a friend had called to be picked up as he had concerns that the incident was escalating.

As the three men made their way to the incident to collect their friend, Jallow fatally stabbed Mr O’Brien once in the neck causing a wound that extended to his chest.

Paramedics attended the scene and took Joe to hospital but he passed away due to his injuries a short time afterwards.

Police arrested Daniel Kamara later that morning after his release from hospital and Momodou Jallow on Wednesday, May 24. Both men were arrested on suspicion of murder and were later charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Chery Chatterton of GMP’s major incident team, serious crime division, said: “This was a despicable act that took a young man’s life and affected many others.

“Our thoughts remains with Joe’s family who have had to endure the most unimaginably painful ordeal this year and we hope today’s verdict can give them some closure.

“We continue to tackle the possession and use of bladed articles on our streets and maintain our commitment to ensure the safety of the communities we serve.”

A statement from Mr O'Brien's mother released via Greater Manchester Police said: "Our Joe’s life was taken for no reason whatsoever. A life with so much left to do and cherished by so many.

"When a life sentence is given in court, I never knew that it was about the victim and their family and friends.

"Every day, every week, and every year, Joe is and will be on our minds. He is missed so much by so many.

"Joe was kind, funny, laid-back and loved his music. He loved his nephews and niece; losing him will affect their lives forever.

"Joe was one of the good guys; he carried a comb, not a knife.

"Words don’t describe what Joe’s death has done to his friends; all decent young lads who are traumatised for the rest of their lives.

"If a life sentence meant life for the perpetrators and a 10 year minimum sentence for carrying a knife, maybe no one else would have to suffer and the trend would end.    R.I.P my gorgeous son and best bud."