Life behind bars for murderer

NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

A 22-year-old man has today, Tuesday 3 September, been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 23 years, after he murdered 32-year-old Tom Gaughan in a ‘vicious attack’ in July last year.

Connor Hulse, of Chester Walk, Grimsby (pictured below) was convicted of murder following a three-week trial at Grimsby Crown Court in June. He pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial to assaulting an emergency worker.


Connor Hulse

On Friday 21 July 2023, Hulse was out with some friends in Cleethorpes when he walked past Tom Gaughan and his friend. A verbal altercation took place between the two groups, which escalated into a physical fight.

During the fight Hulse pulled a knife from the waistband of his trousers and began to swing it around, before lunging towards Tom with the knife, causing injuries to his head, ear, shoulder and arm.

Emergency services attended and Tom was taken to hospital where he remained until Tuesday 15 August 2023 when he died as a result of his injuries.

Two others also appeared for sentencing, for their involvement in the physical altercation between the two groups.  

Daniel Champion, 29 of Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, (pictured below) was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to affray.


Daniel Champion

Jack Kitchen, 35 of Tiverton Street, Grimsby, (pictured below) was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to affray.


Jack Kitchen

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Nicola Burnett said: “This case is an example of how carrying knives and using them as a weapons affects so many lives.

“Connor Hulse carried a knife for no other reason than to use it to cause injury to another. During an altercation, he used the knife with little regard to the devastating results that would follow.

“Tom Gaughan (pictured below) had his life taken away from him far too young. As a result his children will grow up without their father. His immediate family will spend the rest of their lives missing their grandson, brother, partner, father and friend, the loss they will feel being significant and forever.

“I am reassured by the lengthy sentence imposed today upon Hulse, who himself is a young man who will spend the majority of his life in prison.

“I hope Hulse spends his time reflecting on his actions and the consequences they have had for some many people, including his own family.

“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Tom Gaughan and I would like to commend them for their dignity and composure during the trial.

I can only hope that the sentence imposed today sends a clear message to those that carry knives and the risk they take in doing so.” 


Tom Gaughan