Overview
- Jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court on February 4, 2026, found Thomas Betteridge guilty of manslaughter and possessing a bladed article, with sentencing set for May 8.
- Cameron Hamilton, 18, died at The Square in Bournemouth on August 5, 2023, despite rapid police and paramedic response.
- CCTV shown in court was reported to depict Betteridge picking up a knife during the altercation, and another man had earlier discarded a different knife in a nearby flower bed.
- Prosecutors said a witness heard Betteridge boast after the stabbing and described him changing clothes before being stopped by police, while the defendant claimed self-defence.
- Hamilton’s family thanked investigators and prosecutors, continued their anti-knife-crime work through the Changes Are Made charity, and asked for privacy.