Thomas Betteridge, aged 20, has been convicted of manslaughter for the second time after the tragic death of 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton. The fatal stabbing occurred in Bournemouth town centre on August 5, 2023.
At approximately 1:25 a.m., Dorset Police received reports of a stabbing in The Square. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.
Betteridge was apprehended in the town centre shortly after the incident and initially charged with murder. In March 2024, he was convicted of manslaughter, but that verdict was later overturned following an appeal. A retrial was held at Bournemouth Crown Court, where Betteridge was once again found guilty of manslaughter on February 4.
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He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on May 8.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third from the Major Crime Investigation Team expressed hope that the conviction brings some solace to Cameron’s family. He praised the family’s dignified response throughout the legal process and their commitment to raising awareness about knife crime through their charity, Changes Are Made.
DCI Third emphasized ongoing collaboration with community partners to combat knife crime and appreciated the dedication of the officers, prosecution team, and emergency responders involved in the case, particularly those who were present at the scene during Cameron’s final moments.