Dad murdered while out walking with his toddler in a pushchair

A man has been found guilty of murder after stabbing a dad while he was walking with his toddler in a pushchair. Maurice Jones, 25, killed Tsvetomir Genov, 20, in front of his 16-month-old son in broad daylight, a court heard.

The defendant, of Salisbury, Wiltshire, was convicted by a jury of murder and possession of a bladed article at Winchester Crown Court on Friday following a two-week trial. He has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Salisbury Crown Court on July 18.

The jury heard that shortly before noon on August 22 last year, Jones, who had recently moved to the area, confronted Tsvetomir, known as TG, in Gainsborough Close over issues relating to the victim's son and his former partner. TG, who was walking his son in a pushchair back to his son’s mother’s house, was subjected to an unprovoked, sustained and violent attack by Jones, sustaining numerous stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, TG died at the scene. Jones fled from the scene, discarding the knife and his trousers. Thanks to key witnesses and intelligence from members of the public, he was swiftly arrested and taken into custody.

After being charged with murder and possession of a bladed article, Jones pleaded not guilty to both. During the trial, Jones claimed to have only taken a knife for his own protection and then used it out of fear, claiming to have lost control of himself. His account was dismissed by the jury.

Speaking after the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to TG’s family for the dignified manner in which they have conducted themselves at court, having to hear the horrendous details of their son’s murder whilst dealing with their unimaginable loss. I’d also like to thank the local community for the support they gave to the investigation team. Their support following the incident and during the investigation enabled us to secure a quick arrest, as well as the subsequent conviction.

“Sadly, this is another murder involving the use of a knife. The defendant purposely armed himself with a knife and left the address he was in to confront the victim before launching into a violent, unprovoked attack, ignoring efforts to stop him.

“TG was simply walking his son back to his mother's address and did not present any danger to anyone. This was a violent assault in a public place and the defendant has not shown any true remorse for his actions.

“I’m pleased the jury has dismissed his defence and have found him guilty of TG’s murder. My condolences go out to TG’s family and friends and we hope this verdict will give them some comfort at such a difficult time.”

In an earlier tribute, the victim's family said it was 'heartbreaking' to know his son would grow up without a dad.

In a statement, they wrote: "We lost our first-born amazing son, suddenly and it is a really hard time for our family. He is a brother to two boys and also a father to a little boy.

“We still don’t want to believe he is not here anymore and he will never be back and we will never see his smile again, will not hear his voice, his little boy will have to grow up without his father. It is hard and painful, sad and heartbreaking. He will stay forever 20, as someone took him from us in such a cruel and horrible way.

"The thought that we have to live without him now is hard. No one should have to go through this. We would like to say thank you to every service involved for their hard work, it has meant a lot.

“Also, we are grateful to all the community, friends and everyone being with us in this hard time and we would like to thank them all for their support, for sympathy cards and flowers. They are still arriving, people even bring us hot food. We have no words for this. Whatever we say will not be enough.

“It is lovely to see so many people thinking of TG and us. A lot of people get in touch with us and it is really appreciated, people we don’t know have been crying and praying for our son and offering us help. Thank you all."