Two convicted of murder of Zain Salisman

Two men been convicted of the murder of Macclesfield teenager Zain Salisman.

Ricky Jervis, aged 23, from Congleton and Charles Beadell, aged 22, from Macclesfield were found guilty of murder after a 6 week trial at Chester Crown Court. The pair are due to be sentenced on Monday (21 July).

Zain, aged 19, died from a single stab wound following an incident in Bullocks Lane near Macclesfield on Wednesday 30 October 2013.

At 6.43pm that day Cheshire Police was notified by the ambulance service of an unconscious man found lying in the road, which is surrounded by hedgerows and fields.

At first it was thought that Zain had been involved in a fail-to-stop collision. Officers commenced CPR to try and save Zain′s life and paramedics were quickly on the scene to take over his treatment. Zain was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital where it was discovered that he had a single stab wound to his lower back, which had punctured his Aorta − the wound was 12cm deep. Medical staff battled to save him but he sadly died at 8pm that day.

It became clear that there was a trail of blood from where Zain′s body was found towards a lay-by 100 metres away in Bullocks Lane close to its junction with Robin Lane. Blood found in an adjacent copse suggests that this was the location where he was attacked.

Detectives launched an investigation, which spanned many months and uncovered a complex web of organised crime, drugs and violence.

Zain′s death was linked to an incident at a property in Macclesfield on 8 October 2013 when a shotgun was discharged towards the front door of a house in Parkgate Road approximately 10.30pm that evening. No-one was injured in that incident, which was linked to a dispute regarding drugs. It became clear that Zain had been involved in this firearms discharge as were a number of other men who have pleaded guilty to their part in what took place that night, including Jervis and Beadell.

Following the incident the gun was due to be returned to the original supplier but Zain is believed to have moved it on without the knowledge of anyone else, and that this formed part of the motive for the later attack.

Detective Inspector Steve Jones, from the force′s major investigation team, said: “This was an extremely complex investigation spanning many months and involving a large number of defendants and criminal associates. The investigation covered the original murder investigation as well as the linked firearms offence and required a huge amount of dedication and hard work by an experienced team of detectives from a number of disciplines.

“It has been a challenging process for all those involved and required considerable professional skills in relation to the investigation, subsequent prosecution and providing vital reassurance to the communities affected by the actions of these individuals.

“This case has highlighted the impact that organised crime and, in particular, illegal drugs can have on individuals and whole communities. We hope that the successful conclusion will help to get the message across loud and clear that those who choose to bring fear and violence to the streets of Cheshire will be dealt with.

“Regardless of how Zain′s life had developed in the months leading up to his death it is important to remember that he was loved by his family and was a good friend to many people in the Macclesfield area where he had lived all of his life. His death has had a huge impact on his family who have struggled to come to terms with what happened. They have sat through many weeks of evidence in court, which has been a difficult process for them. I hope that the successful outcome today will help to bring about a degree of closure for them − and help them to move on with their lives.”

DI Jones added: “I would like to pay tribute to the young people of Macclesfield who provided vital information during the investigation and subsequent trial, often in spite of their own personal difficulties. Having the courage to assist the police in this way is essential to making our communities safer.”

Inspector Steve Griffiths, of Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “This incident has had a big impact on the local community and neighbourhood officers have worked hard in the area to support residents − providing vital reassurance and addressing any issues or concerns they may have had.

“I would like to thank the community for its patience and co-operation − particularly in the early days of the case. I hope that the conclusion today reassures local people that we are committed to tackling violent crime and bringing those responsible to justice.

“These types of incidents bring communities closer together and the local policing team will continue to work alongside local residents moving forward − anyone with any issues or concerns is encouraged to speak to their local officer.”

Julia Howard, aged 36, from Macclesfield, was today found not guilty of murder. She was found guilty of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.

Cade Spence, aged 20, from Congleton, was found not guilty of firearms offences.

Dale Thompson, aged 20, from Congleton, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

Patrick Jordan, aged 20, from Congleton, was also found guilty of firearms offences.

Jake Powell, aged 24, of no fixed abode, has already pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Ricky Jervis and Charles Beadell have already pleaded guilty to firearms offences.

William Dale, aged 25, from Stoke on Trent, has already pleaded guilty to firearms offences.

Daniel Galloway, aged 25, of no fixed abode, has already pleaded guilty to firearms offences.

They are all due to be sentenced on Monday (21^st July) at Chester Crown Court.