A man who murdered a teenager in the early hours of New Year’s Day was told by a judge on Monday, October 11, 2021, that he must serve a minimum of 28 years in jail.
Callum Aylett, 21, was involved in a feud with his neighbours in Milton Keynes when he repeatedly stabbed Jay Fathers, who had not been involved in the bad feeling.
He also twice stabbed 49-year-old Nicholas Grant, who lived at the house in Walsh’s Manor, on the Stantonbury Estate.
In August, Aylett was convicted of murdering 18-year-old Jay and wounding Mr Grant with intent.
Judge Lynn Tayton QC passed a life sentence at Luton Crown Court. She said: “This case involves the tragic death of young man, Jake Fathers. He was only 18.
“His family have had to sit through the trial listening to evidence that has been very difficult to hear.”
The judge said it was every parent’s worst nightmare to receive a knock on the door and then receive the news their child has died.”
On New Year’s Eve Aylett, who had been drinking brandy and smoking cannabis, and his girlfriend, were watching New Year fireworks in the garden when a chair leg was hurled over the fence, hitting his girlfriend.
At 12.50am he spoke into his camera and said he was going to stab the people next door. He armed himself with two kitchen knives and went to the address.
Prosecutor Michael Roques said: “He was very loud and demanding entry and threatening to kick the door in if they didn’t come down and open it.”
Jay Fathers had arrived shortly before to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with his friends. He received five deep penetrating wounds and, at the end, was left “mortally wounded,” said the prosecutor.
Mr Grant, who had armed himself with a curtain pole, was stabbed twice by the defendant and staggered outside the house where he collapsed.
Aylett left the scene and hid the two knives in his mother’s toilet cistern.
Giving evidence, Aylett said he had acted in self-defence that night as he found himself under attack by Jay Fathers who was armed, he said, with a knife and Mr Grant who was brandishing a pole.
The court heard an argument had been brewing on social media before the murder.
On December 30 last year there had been a confrontation in the street outside the defendant’s home.
Aylett had his head bowed in the dock as victim statements were read from Jay Fathers’ family.
One of Jay’s sisters Holly Fathers said: “Another senseless stabbing, another life taken away, another family ripped apart.”
Jason Fathers said: “What has happened is the worst thing I have ever experienced as a father. I would do anything I could to protect my family.”
His mother Sharon Cunningham said: “Jay was a fun-loving, kind generous young man.
“This evil act has destroyed us all and our hearts will forever be broken. Jay had so many hopes and dreams and now he won’t get to live them.”
Defending Michael Borrelli QC said: “He has made an expression of remorse – he genuinely feels this.” He said he was still a young man who was immature.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This tragic incident escalated from a dispute between two groups, and the level of violence meted out that morning was shocking and completely unnecessary.
“Jay had been at the address celebrating New Year, and could have had no idea of what was to happen to him that night.
“For whatever reason, an altercation ensued between a number of people inside the property. It then escalated quickly, and Jay suffered severe injuries as a result of Aylett’s violent attack.
“Despite the best efforts of Jay’s friends and paramedics, they were unable to save his life.
“It was only a matter of fortune that Aylett’s second victim survived.
“Jay was a popular young man with his whole life ahead of him, and to have his life ended in such a violent manner shocked and saddened the local community and has left his family having to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.
“Jay’s family and friends, and the other victim and his family, have shown tremendous resolve and courage, having to listen to the details of the incident during the trial.
“They have supported our investigation throughout, and my thoughts, and the thoughts of Thames Valley Police, remain with them now that we have a conviction.
“The escalation of what was a relatively minor dispute to the death of Jay will probably never be fully understood, but I am satisfied that his killer has been brought to justice and will serve an extremely long time in prison as a result.
“Thames Valley Police is committed to removing the scourge of knife crime in our communities and will tirelessly work to make our communities a safe place to live and work.”
