Man guilty of murdering 'much loved' father

Connor Hulse, who murdered Tom Gaughan in Cleethorpes

A man has been found guilty of murdering a "much loved" father during a fight in Cleethorpes.

Tom Gaughan, 32, was found with knife injuries to his head, ear, shoulder and arm outside the Swashbuckle Tavern on Grant Street on 21 July last year. He died in hospital on 15 August.

On Monday, Connor Hulse, 22, was found guilty of murder following a two-week trial at Grimsby Crown Court.

Hulse, of Chester Walk, Grimsby, had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to a charge of assaulting an emergency worker. He will be sentenced for both offences on a future date.

Tom Gaughan died in hospital from his injuries three weeks after the knife attack

Jurors took two hours and 15 minutes to unanimously find Hulse guilty of Mr Gaughan's murder.

Humberside Police said Hulse had been out with friends when he walked past Mr Gaughan and his friend.

An argument broke out between the groups, which escalated into a fight, the force said.

During the fight, Hulse pulled a knife from the waistband of his trousers and lunged towards Mr Gaughan, fatally injuring him.

'A vicious attack'

Det Supt Nicola Burnett said: “Tom Gaughan was a much loved father, grandson, partner and friend and my thoughts remain with his loved ones at this difficult time.

“This was a vicious attack that has ultimately cost a young man his future. By carrying a knife that night, Hulse showed that he was capable of great violence, using it mid-fight with disastrous consequences.

“He is now facing time behind bars for his reckless and dangerous actions, and I hope this sends a clear message to anyone that carries a knife and reminds them of the risk that they are taking in doing so.”

Hulse was remanded into custody until he is sentenced.

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