Thomas Betteridge, 20, has been convicted of manslaughter for the second time following the tragic stabbing death of 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton in Bournemouth town centre. The fatal incident occurred in The Square just after 1:25 a.m. on August 5, 2023. Despite the rapid response of Dorset Police and paramedics, Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene.
Betteridge was arrested shortly after the stabbing and initially charged with murder. His first conviction for manslaughter, handed down in March 2024, was later overturned on appeal. However, following a retrial at Bournemouth Crown Court, Betteridge was found guilty of manslaughter once again on February 4.
He is also charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 8.
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Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third from the Major Crime Investigation Team expressed hope that the conviction provides some solace to Cameron’s family. He praised the family’s dignified conduct throughout the legal process and their ongoing efforts to combat knife crime through their charity, Changes Are Made.
The police remain committed to raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime and taking strong action against offenders. Detective Chief Inspector Third also commended the swift response of officers who were with Cameron in his final moments.