Mark Noke murder: Seven men jailed over flat stabbing

Mark Noke's body was discovered at his flat at about 01:00 GMT on 25 February

Seven men have been jailed after a man was killed when they targeted the wrong flat in a planned drugs and money raid.

Mark Noke, 64, was found dead at his home in Warburton Road, Southampton, in the early hours of 25 February 2023.

Winchester Crown Court heard the men went to his home wearing masks, forced their way in and threatened him with a gun before stabbing him.

In a tribute, his family described him as "the most unselfish, noblest, purest person anyone could meet".

The court previously heard the group planned to raid flat number 157, but they accidentally went to Mr Noke's address at 147.

The intended target had posted images of his valuables on social media and they hoped to steal £30,000 and cannabis.

The court heard the group of men fled the scene and Mr Noke called 999 - telling the operator he had been stabbed in the chest.

The court heard the group intended to raid number 157, but accidentally went to Mr Noke's address at 147 Warburton Road

In a victim impact statement, Mr Noke's two nephews said their uncle's death had left a "void" and they felt "enduring pain and suffering".

His sister-in-law, Melanie, told the court he was a "family man" who had been with her on the evening before he was killed, acting as "a climbing frame" for her young grandchildren.

She said: "We all said our goodbyes that evening, having no idea of the horror the night was yet to bring.

"Explaining the events to our children, then grandchildren, was like injecting poison into their beautiful innocent lives. Nearly a year later the family are still struggling."

From left to right: Kieran Claffey was jailed for life with a minimum of 29 years, while Leighton Tabone and Justin Roach were jailed for life with a minimum of 27 years

The seven men sentenced in connection with Mark Noke's murder:

• Kieran Thomas Claffey, 29, of Keynsham Road, Southampton, was found guilty of murder and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 29 years

• Leighton James Tabone, 24, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 27 years

• Justin Lee Roach, 40, of Steep Close, Southampton, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 27 years

• Bradley James O'Dell, 22, of Blendworth Lane, Southampton, was found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison

• Aaron Paul Dean Morgan, 32, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison

• Harley Wilson, 21, of International Way, Southampton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison

• Daniel Alexander Bull, 31, of Valentine Avenue, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to eight years in prison

Bradley O'Dell and Aaron Morgan were found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 15 years

Mr Noke's sister, Lisa, also described her brother as "the most unselfish, noblest, purest person anyone could meet".

In a statement read on behalf of Mr Noke's son Wayne, he said: "My world has been changed forever, my dad was there for me every day and I can't believe I am never going to see him again.

"I miss him so much, and the thought of what he went through that night haunts me."

Harry Wilson and Daniel Bull pleaded guilty to conspiracy to robbery and were jailed for seven years and six months and eight years in prison, respectively

Sentencing, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said: "It is clear he (Mr Noke) was very much the centre of life for his family. A much-loved, cherished parent, brother, uncle who have described him as being intelligent, humble kind and generous to all.

"In particular it is apparent he devoted much of his life to his son, who is now deprived of his father's love and support."