Ryan Theobald and Janis Kozlovskis murders: Man guilty of stabbing two young revellers on night out in Doncaster

Amrit Jhagra stabbed Ryan Theobald, 20, and Janis Kozlovskis, 17, multiple times after they got into an altercation with one of his friends.

The attack took place on Silver Street, Doncaster's main party strip, at 2.30am on January 29 as the two victims were outside a bar they had just left.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, senior investigating officer for South Yorkshire Police, said: “Both Ryan and Janis left the bar which they had been in with friends shortly after 2.30am.

“Once outside, a fight began between Janis and a friend of Amrit Jhagra, which carried on as they moved along Silver Street.

“A few minutes later, Ryan ended up in the midst of the altercation. As they reached the corner of Silver Street and High Street, CCTV footage shows that Ryan was approached by Jhagra, who stabbed him and left him lying in the street.

“As Janis ran down the street, he was chased by Jhagra, who pulled him to the ground and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene.”

Emergency services were called by members of the public, but despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene and Janis died in hospital a short time later. A postmortem examination revealed that Ryan died of a single stab wound, and Janis died of multiple stab wounds.

A murder investigation was immediately launched to identify the person responsible.

DCI Townley added: “Enquiries found that Jhagra had fled to a nearby hotel following the incident, before travelling via taxi to a friend’s house and going on the run. On 2 February, he handed himself in to police and was arrested on suspicion of both Ryan and Janis’ murders.”

Jhagra, 19, was further arrested for possession of an offensive weapon.

DCI Townley continued: “I would like to offer my condolences to the families and friends of both Ryan and Janis as these proceedings will undoubtedly have been both difficult and distressing for them.

“Throughout this trial, the defendant has claimed that he acted in self-defence of his friend, however, Jhagra went out that evening in possession of a knife and he went on to use it to stab not just one but two people.

“This case lies bare the heartbreaking implications of knife crime, and I am pleased that the jury saw through Jhagra’s lies and that he will now face a lengthy time behind bars.”

Jhagra, formerly of Cedar Road in Doncaster, has been on trial at Sheffield Crown Court since July 11. Today, after just four hours of deliberation, a jury found him guilty of two charges of murder, and possession of an offensive weapon. He will reappear before Sheffield Crown Court on August 18 for sentencing.

Ryan's mother, Lisa Theobald, has today paid tribute to her son: "I as Ryan's mother would like to thank the jury for the verdict they have arrived at.

"Nothing can make those members of the jury, us as his family and friends or those who have watched from the public gallery 'un-see' the lives of Ryan and his friend Janis being taken so tragically. Even with this verdict, nothing will bring my son back.

"We would like to thank all of those who knew Ryan for their continued love and support throughout this period. We would also like to thank all the officers who were involved in this case for their hard work and continued support.

"As Ryan's family we will forever miss him and seeing the man he would have become.”

Lisa added: "Ryan had previously told me he was scared of knives. He had known locally others who had been victims of knife crime. I would implore those who carry knives or blades, for whatever reason, please don't. You are someone's son, brother, loved one, friend.

"I would not wish what we are going through upon any other family."