Two men jailed over fatal stabbing of drug rival

Dylan Myrie (left) was found guilty of manslaughter, while Peter Janoski murdered the rival drugs gang runner

Two men have been jailed over the fatal stabbing of a rival drug "runner" in Luton.

Dean Fountaine, 37, from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, was stabbed on Ashton Road on 19 June 2023 and died in hospital the following day.

Peter Janoski, 45, of no fixed abode, was sentenced for murder to life in prison with a minimum term of 27 years in prison at Luton Crown Court.

Dylan Myrie, 21, of Hallwicks Road, Luton, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for the manslaughter of Mr Fountaine.

Dean Fountaine died after being stabbed in Luton

Janoski was found guilty of murder and Myrie guilty of manslaughter after a trial at Luton Crown Court in April.

Police said the pair had plotted to rob Mr Fountaine, who officers described as a runner in a rival drug gang, before stabbing him.

Mr Fountaine's mother said she felt unimaginable pain after her son's loss.

When speaking after the sentencing, she said: "Nothing will bring our beloved son back, but today's sentencing has brought the slightest bit of justice to myself, his dad and Dean's brothers, Ashley, Benjamin and Daniel.

"As horrific as it is having to relive that awful day, we're just grateful that we finally have closure. Now we must try to navigate a life without Dean."

Det Ch Insp Sam Khanna, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "After a lengthy investigation and nine-week trial working to secure this result, I would also like to thank all the officers and staff involved.

"It is an important reminder of the impact that the illicit drugs trade has in Bedfordshire."